#These cookie cutters are just to sweet but the cookies are even sweeter take a look at the video https://youtu.be/uAJb1SlOWHw babyCookies ba

[retrosabers]

𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫.

FICMAS DAY 2: BAKING

steve harrington x fem!reader

summary: when steve comes over to help you make christmas cookies, things end a lot sweeter than you expect.

contains: ooey gooey fluff, idiots in love, friends to lovers, steve being a flirty klutz, kissing, a tinge of angst if you squint

word count: 2k

a/n: welcome to another installment of “i’m incapable of writing something short and sweet 🧍‍♀️ this is what happens when i revisit writing for my favorite pretty boy

!! divider by @strangergraphics !!

FICMAS MASTERLIST

“steve?”

“yeah?”

“you’re supposed to be decorating the cookies, not eating them.”

steve’s tone is nothing short of soft and shy when he breathes out an “oh,” between bites of chocolate chip infused dough. when you recruited him to assist in baking cookies for the holiday potluck tomorrow, you didn’t expect it to end with half of them being consumed before they even got a chance to be decorated.

“sorry,” the brunette squeaks, wiping sugar-dusted fingers over the expanse of his very favorite pair of levi jeans.

it’s hard to stay mad at steve. not when he looks so cute, with a tinge of pink in his cheeks and his normally styled hair slightly askew. not when he so generously offered to help you out, and not when he was standing so close.

no, you can’t stay mad at steve harrington, because it’s impossible to stay mad at the person you’ve had a crush on for years.

momentarily distracted, your hands wrapped around the handles of a rolling pin halt in their ministrations, and steve worries that he’s screwed up big time.

but your frozen position isn’t from the slight wrench in your plans. it’s him and those stupid, pretty, big brown eyes, that always find a way to short circuit your brain. even more so when they’re pleading for forgiveness.

it takes another second to remember that you still have things that need to be done. that you promised robin and nancy you’d supply the gathering with your renowned baked goods. with a shake of your head, you’re back in business, waving steve off with a quick flick of the wrist.

“don’t worry about it,” you reassure him, despite the fact that your anxiety was kicking at the thought of having to prepare an extra batch. “just try not to eat the sugar cookies when they’re done, yeah?”

steve’s expression shifts from panic and embarrassment to something sweeter, sheepish almost. when he nods in reply, that rogue strand that always rests against his forehead bounces in a way that almost makes you roll the cookie dough off the counter completely.

this is just because you’re stressed. you tell yourself. you’re off your game today because you’re in a time crunch.

lucky for you, steve doesn’t notice the slight quiver in your motions, instead opting to shift the conversation in another direction.

“when did you even learn to bake like this anyways?”

you perk up a bit at that, a faint smile on your lips.

“every christmas eve when i was a kid,” you begin while simultaneously cutting out little gingerbread men using cookie cutters. “my mom and i used to make cookies for santa.”

there’s a nostalgic kind of warmth that blankets the room while you retell stories of your childhood to steve, who surprisingly keeps his hands off the treats and his attention completely focused on you. on how your nose wrinkles when you mention the year you accidentally added too much cinnamon, the gleam in your eyes that comes when you talk about making them by yourself for the first time.

it causes a slew of butterflies in steve’s stomach, a gallant whoosh that he’s been trying his damndest to ignore ever since he opened the door to your apartment and found you clad in a flour covered apron and with a red ribbon tied in your hair.

it's very hard to pay attention to anything when he’s confined to a cramped kitchen with the very adorable girl he’s had a crush on for as long as he can remember.

“obviously i figured out at some point that santa wasn’t real,” you joke, transferring the cutouts onto a baking tray. it snaps steve back to reality, away from the ooey-gooey ness in his heart that had nothing to do with the residual taste of melted chocolate chips. “but we still do it every year as a tradition.”

steve hopes he’s not smiling like an idiot, but it’s hard not to when you look so happy, so content. “it sounds nice.”

it's absent minded when he says it, and you know it. but that doesn't make the quiet muttering of “wish my folks were like that” under his breath sting any less. you had a general idea that steve’s parents weren’t the greatest, but it was never something he outright said, not to you anyways. this little glimmer of vulnerability he displays, whether intentional or not, only adds a spark in the torch you carry for him.

the oven timer beeping pulls him from mourning what he could’ve had. any falter in his smile is quickly reconstructed as he moves to grab the oven mitts on the counter. something that only makes your sympathy grow.

“i got it honey,” he murmurs while slipping past you, his hand brushing against the small of your back for a fleeting moment.

honey.

it sends an electric shock up your spine that makes you straighten out comically, unsure of any other way to react to his touch that doesn’t involve squealing like a schoolgirl. thankfully, your face is obscured from view while he very carefully pulls out the piping hot baking tray, your cheeks free to turn as crimson as they please.

honey, honey, honey. how he managed to make that word sound even more saccharine you’ll never know.

steve catches you in his peripheral, face redder than your hair ribbon. i’ve still got it, he mentally pats himself on the back. though his suaveness only lasts for a second when he remembers he’s got something scorching in his hand. the brunette drops the sugar cookies onto the counter rather ungracefully, huffing out a curse that makes you giggle.

you think you prefer when he's a little dorky over the pretty boy charm.

as much as steve wants to obey your request to not dive into the sugar cookies, he’s having a painfully hard time restraining himself. that heavenly smell of vanilla is overpowering all self control, an enticing and comforting aroma he’d never had the joy of experiencing until now.

the childlike wonder in steve’s eyes melts away any stress or frustration.

against your better judgement, you walk over to where he’s standing, resting your chin on the edge of his shoulder. if steve is surprised by the act, he doesn’t show it. this time though, the thrum of his heart is hard to miss, noticeable even through the layers of fabric separating you.

“you can have one,” you speak lowly into the cashmere material. “and you have to wait until they’ve cooled down. i’m not taking you to the emergency room because you burnt your tongue.”

steve chuckles at the memory from earlier in the year, when eddie’s impatience got the best of him and he burnt the roof of his mouth trying to get a taste of your baking. he remembers watching that interaction from afar, how you doted over the metalhead when he hurt himself, and it made a vile little twinge of jealousy move within him. though steve always tries to ignore that last part, simply focusing on your kindness. like he was right now.

“i still can’t believe munson managed to do that,” steve replies through his laughter.

the feeling of your own giggles vibrating against him is something he never thought would happen. in that moment, those butterflies in his stomach valiantly escape their cage, a flurry he’s not sure he wants to contain.

all he can hear in his head is robin’s voice screeching, “for the love of god dingus, you need to stop staring like an idiot and just make a move.”

when you suddenly pull away from him, he’s afraid that opportunity is gone. steve’s rather confused when he catches a glimpse of your face before you round the other side of the kitchen island. there’s a shyness in you that he’s not used to seeing. if he’s learned one thing in getting to know you better these past few months, it’s that you hardly ever got timid. only when you were uncomfortable, or scared, and he prays it’s not either of those things.

it’s not looking very good when you turn your body completely away from him.

“y’know,” you begin shyly, toying with the strings of your apron. “you’re more than welcome to come over again next year.”

oh.

steve’s lips part slightly, eyes widening in surprise. “yeah?”

“yeah,” you breathe out, nerves taking over while you busy yourself with the frosting. you’re not really doing much of anything, just mindless fiddling with the bag and adjusting the parchment paper on the cookie sheet. everything but looking at steve.

“just think you deserve to be a part of a christmas tradition,” you say so softly he almost doesn’t catch it. the wholehearted sincerity in your voice, despite its low volume, makes him feel dizzy.

as he stands there, dumbfounded and mulling over your words, he knows he can’t chicken out any longer. not when you were offering a place for him in your holiday traditions. something steve knew you held very near and dear to your heart.

“that is, of course,” you add hurriedly, turning around to make sure you haven’t made him feel pressured. “only if you want to.”

oh boy does he.

steve crosses the room in long, slow strides. partly to test the waters and partly to watch the way you get a little squirmy. your hands struggle to find something sensible to do, but everything is a jumbled mess and you eventually drop them at your sides by the time steve glides into your peripheral vision.

your eyes squeeze shut in preparation for his polite rejection. that he’s going to let you down easy, and leave you to finish all this by yourself.

but you should’ve known steve better than that.

a tender hand wraps around your wrist, the scent of his cologne enveloping your personal space, and the syrupy sweet murmur of that damned word finds your ears again. he was consuming all your senses, an act of reverse psychology that makes you open up instead of run away.

when his hand travels further south, experimentally brushing your fingers together, you can’t hide anymore. there’s nothing you could possibly do to ignore the jolt of electricity that travels through you from head to toe. as your eyes slowly peek open, you find steve leaning against the counter beside you, a boyish little grin on his face. barely a feet of space between your bodies, yet you were buzzing with anticipation.

“i want to,” he says matter of factly despite the airiness of his voice. “i really, really want to.”

a hint of nervousness dances across his features when he utters, “but only if you’ll let me.”

there’s a double entendre to his proclamation that’s undeniable. steve leans closer, enough that you can see just how long his lashes are, how those stupid pretty eyes have flecks of gold in them, how his cupid bow is so perfect, so kissable. enough that you can’t mistake the way his gaze keeps flicking down to your lips. an unspoken permission you happily grant with the slightest nod of the head.

kissing steve is exactly how you dreamed it would be. those perfectly plump lips were just as soft as you hoped, as skilled as the girls back in high school used to whisper about. there’s a confidence behind the way he kisses you, though it’s still incredibly languid and gentle. his hand migrates from your wrist up to your jaw, gently caressing and cradling it with a care no one else has ever shown you before.

you’re not sure how long you stand there for. it could’ve been minutes, or hours; either way you didnt care. the cookies were long forgotten in your mind, having found a new craving that could only be satiated so long as steve held you close and his lips remained on yours.

a laugh bubbles in your throat at the faint flavor of chocolate on your tongue. you discover a new fact about steve that you don’t plan on sharing with anyone else as long as he’ll have you.

he tastes sweeter than sugar.

thanks for reading! <3

!! if you would like to be tagged in the rest of the ficmas blurbs, please send me an inbox message or leave a comment !!

[word-wytch]

warm vanilla sugar.

Little Eddie and his mom, Elizabeth, bake Christmas cookies together.  [2k]

CW: tooth-rotting fluff, depictions of poverty, angst over paternal absence

December 24th 1971

Philadelphia Street was quiet on Christmas Eve. It was always pretty quiet in the dead of winter, especially once the sun went down. Nothing but the wind rustling through the glittering branches under the street lamps.  

But if you listened closely just outside the smallest house—the Munson’s house—there was music. There almost always was. Crackling and popping, the spinning record warmed the house with carols sung by Ella Fitzgerald this time. Tinsel glittered in the light of the colored bulbs on the little fake tree by the large front window. Behind the house there was a light as well, glowing warmly from the small kitchen window in front of the sink.

Perched on a chair at the counter with hands barely as big as the plastic cookie cutter, Eddie made his first big impression, stamping the dough in the shape of a snowman. He peeled it back with wondrous satisfaction, eagerly stamping another in the middle of the flour-dusted canvass, and another above it in frantic succession. 

“Easy there, big guy,” came a voice from beside him; warm and sweet like honey on toast. A pale hand blotched with green food coloring intercepted, lifting the plastic from the dough before Eddie could get his grips on it again. “Gotta keep ‘em close together, we’ll get more cookies that way,” Elizabeth said with a wink. “Like this.” Gingerly, she lined the snowman up beside one of its kin, upside down so that the large bottom tessellated snugly beside the top hat of the other. 

Sudden laughter erupted out of her son: bright, bubbling, and contagious. 

“What’re you gigglin’ about?” She punctuated the question with a teasing poke at his ribs.

Eddie pointed a trembling little finger at the scene, biting back his snicker enough for words to make it out. “His butt’s in his faaace!” He doubled over at his own joke, as if saying it out loud made it twice as funny. 

Elizabeth shook her head with a soft smirk at her son—the comedian—whose laughter was sweeter than any song she’d ever heard. His cheeks were pink from it, dimpled and squishy like the dough under her rolling pin. Tempting enough to take a bite. 

“What, like this?” She dove in, blowing raspberries against his chubby cheeks as he squirmed in her arms. His laughter erupted in squeals. “MmmooO—HAHA—mmmm!” Eddiesqueaked in a few gasps between laughs. It was a merciless onslaught; locked in a bear hug while fingers tickled his ribs. When Elizabeth was finally satisfied, she loosened her grip, pulling him into a hug with a soothing hand at his back to calm him down. 

Sucking in deep, ragged breaths, his chin nestled into her shoulder, into her long, strawberry blonde hair. She’d styled it extra today; half-up in a clip with those swooping curtain bangs framing her face. It was rare she had anywhere to be but at home, but that wouldn’t stop her from feeling like Bridgette Bardot on Christmas Eve. Hairspray was her secret weapon. It was cheap and always on hand. With it, she could transform into whoever she wanted. 

The scent of hairspray—of her—enveloped Eddie just like her arms. Warm like sheets freshly dried in the sun. More comforting than anything on Earth. Her hand rubbed loving circles into his green sweater while his own sticky fingers tangled into the oatmeal knit of hers. Finally Eddie let go, hands trailing the belt of her belled blue jeans as he steadied his stocking feet on the chair.

All calmed down, she nodded toward the cookie cutter. “Ok, go on and press it now.”

White plastic sunk into the dough, and Eddie beamed up at his mom with a smile that could outshine the moon, even with a few missing teeth.

“Good job! See it’s cold out there so they’ve gotta snuggle up real close to stay warm,” she said with a giggle, giving Eddie a side-squeeze. Before his hands could press another cookie, hers found the cuffs of his sleeves, rolling the flour and crumbs of dough caught in the knit up and away until they sat snugly below his elbows. “There you go, much better. Think you can handle it, big guy?” Elizabeth asked, turning back to her bowl of frosting on the counter. 

“Okay Mommy,” he said, gripping the back of the chair for balance before finding the cookie cutter again. With careful precision, he hovered the snowman over the dough close enough to touch mittens with the one beside it before pressing down. “Good job!” He heard her coo, and that was all he needed.

It was good to see him like this, so preoccupied with the project in front of him that he hadn’t even glanced at the front door. He’d been watching it a lot lately. Even more as the days grew closer to the big one. Green blotches of food coloring stretched into trails beneath Elizabeth’s spatula as she blended the dye into the crisco and margarine mixture, tucking the metal bowl against her chest for leverage. When blended to a smooth, pale green, she set it beside the red and white ones. Sighing sharply, she glanced over her shoulder at the porch light shining through the glass. Still no shadow, no sound of heavy boots. Only the crooning of Ella Fitzgerald, swinging along with her band to “Sleigh Ride” in the living room.

“I goooot it!” Eddie chirped proudly, holding up a snowman by the hat in his small fist as its doughy body drooped towards the floor. 

“Oh sweetie! Here, let’s get a pan.” Rushing to the oven, she snatched a well-loved baking sheet from atop the burners, pivoting to bring it under Eddie’s outstretched arm just in time. The dough hit the pan with a dull thud. The snowballs had stretched to droopy ovals, twice as long as all the others. Tiny grip marks dented the hat. Eddie—proud creator—beamed down upon its gooey form. 

“Oh wow, he’s—he’s a very tall snowman now!” Elizabeth exclaimed, sealing her snicker behind her twitching pink lips. She set the pan down in front of her mixing bowls. “Here, let me show you a trick, watch this.” Coming up behind him, she reached around his shoulder to pinch a corner of the dough. With a slow, upward pull, it became lace, leaving only the snowmen scattered on the large wooden cutting board. “See, like magic!”

And it was. Magic to see those umber saucers filled with wonder, to see her own eyes reflected back. But it wasn’t long before his tiny hands grew eager again, grabbing at a doughy body. “Woah—woah,” she clasped his wrist and his clutch slowly released. “We’re gonna use a spatula this time ok? It’ll be safer that way.” For the snowmen.

The oven was already warm. It had been for an hour now, just warming up the kitchen. Cookies were a great excuse for that. Sometimes in the dead of winter, when cold crept in through the single pane windows, Elizabeth would light up the old Magic Chef and leave the thick, enamel door hanging open. It would warm the whole kitchen, living room too. Sometimes she and Eddie would pull up chairs, wrap themselves in blankets, and pretend like they were roasting marshmallows. Cranking the thermostat was too expensive, but they could afford a fantasy.

Snowman cookies went in the oven this time, and by the time they came out, Eddie had a whole batch of Christmas trees ready to go. Steam rose from the snowmen as they cooled on the rack, and Elizabeth rolled out the dough for the Santa ones next. Even in the warmer-than-usual kitchen, it didn’t take long before the snowmen were cool enough to frost. 

Eddie was ready, holding the loaded butterknife tight in his grip. It descended with a plop on a snowman, and a haphazard jerking of the knife left it thick on the bottom and thin on the top. Eddie picked it up, poking out his tongue in concentration as he tried his best to spread it, but the pressure from the knife snapped the head clean off. It fell to the cutting board with a clatter of crumbs. “Noooo!” he wailed.

Elizabeth tossed her head back with a chuckle as sweet as molasses. “Some must be sacrificed,” she said with a wink, picking up the head. Gently, she took the butterknife out of his grip, grabbing a dollop of frosting from the bowl before giving it a generous smear. She handed it to Eddie. “Guess we’re gonna have to eat ‘im, huh?”

He didn’t waste a beat, stuffing it into his mouth in one eager bite. His crumb-dusted smile was enough to warm the whole house. Leaning against the counter with a soft chuckle, Elizabeth took a bite of the body. It was still a little warm, the dough flaking ever so slightly beneath the glob of sweet vanilla that her teeth left marks in. Grabbing her half-full coffee mug from beside a dirty mixing bowl, she chased it with a cold sip. “How ‘bout I frost and you decorate, big guy?”

Eddie was happy to do anything that involved sugar. Happy to lick it off his fingers, happy to bury his hands in the sprinkles—transferred to bowls for more accurate decorating after the plastic shakers left more on the tray than the cookies. Still, Eddie was more than generous, grabbing handfuls and releasing them in hills atop the frosting. 

“Mommy you think Santa’s gonna see my list?” Santa and list were challenging words without front teeth, but he managed. 

She paused as a sinking feeling crept into her stomach. Staring down at the long, half-frosted snowman in her hands—darker than the others and fragile due to its thinness—she took a deep breath before answering. “Yes baby, it’s right on the coffee table.”

Rainbow sprinkles clung to his fingers as he released another pile, leaving behind colored dots on his palms. “We’re gonna have to give him extra cookies so he brings everything.”

Twinging, she glanced at the door. “Baby, you know sometimes Santa and his elves get real busy and gotta make sure they have enough presents for everybody. Means he can only pick one or two things from each person’s list, you see.” Let alone a whole dang person. 

Eddie frowned, gnawing his lip as he stared down at all his hard work. “But he’s magic.”

Elizabeth set down the cookie, folding her arms across her well-worn floral apron with a heavy sigh. “I know, baby.” But he don’t work miracles. Staring into the bowl of frosting, her mind drifted back to the bedroom closet where two wrapped gifts lay tucked away. On the shelf above the coat rack was a dwindling bundle of cash in a brown paper bag. It was all Al had left behind three months ago when he said he’d be gone only one. She’d made it stretch, but barely. Elizabeth Munson wasn’t going to let that dampen the occasion though. Not today, not ever. Brightening her eyes, she turned to face her son. “But you know what? Christmas is really ‘bout appreciating what you got already.”

Eddie looked down at the snowmen, at their white bellies full of rainbow sprinkles. A few sprinkles dropped from his sticky palms as his shoulders began to slump, but suddenly a finger lifted his chin; soft as a peach and blotted with green food coloring. Suddenly he was staring into his favorite set of eyes, warmer than Tennessee whiskey. 

Elizabeth cupped his sweet face, rubbing her thumbs along the apples of his cheeks. “You know what I appreciate?” 

“Wha-?” was all he could mumble from between her palms.

“You.” She planted a big kiss on his forehead. 

Her smile was infectious, and before Eddie knew it, one was cracking across his face too—crooked and toothless. His sticky fingers found her wrists, lowering them softly to free his cheeks. He had something important to say. “I ‘preciate you too Mommy.”

Elizabeth Munson had a smile like the sun; radiant and warm even on the coldest days. Because when Elizabeth Munson was happy, the whole entire world was happy. 

And Eddie was no exception.

______

A/N: I might have gone through half a box of tissues to bring you this.

I might do more little vignettes like this. I just love Elizabeth Munson so much and it was really fun to develop her character more and give her a sweet moment with her boy.

✨ If you enjoyed this, please let me know! Your feedback keeps me writing and sharing helps others find it too! ✨

📖 MASTERLIST 🖋️AO3 ☕️ KO-FI

[mrs-march-ahs]

How would the evans react to the reader being insecure? thank you😊

What Would The Evans Do If You Were Insecure

My 300 follower special gave me so many requests! They are all incredible and I am trying to do as many as possible! I may not do them all, but all of your requests were incredible thank you for helping me celebrate this amazing achievement :) This is for @tatestripedsweater and anybody else who (for some reason) doesn’t feel like a work of art today, this is an Evan Peters reminder that you are a gift to this world and I love you.

Enjoy:)

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Tate

-Would definitely check for self-harm marks -If they were there, he would kiss them or lick the blood off them if they were fresh -Hold you while you cry -Would carefully listen to your insecurities and would try to tell you how beautiful you are to him -It wouldn’t matter how much you hated yourself or how much you felt like the world hated you because to him you were perfect and you always will be -Kiss your tears away -Suggest cuddling or watching a horror film so you can sit between his legs and he can wrap his arms around you to protect you

Kit

-You wouldn’t tell him you felt insecure, but he would be able to tell - “I’m not sure I’m doing the best I can” - “You’re the best wife, the best mother, the best person I’ve ever met, you’re everything we want and need and so much more” -Would carefully whisper everything to do, and would touch you ever so softly -Constantly tucking your hair behind your ear as he listened to you -Kiss your tears away -If you started explaining something in a panicky way, looking down, eyes filled with tears, then he would cup your cheeks in his firm hands and would put his thumb over your lips to shush you, then wipe your tears -Constantly hold you and place little kisses everywhere - “Isn’t mama the most beautiful lady alive?” -The kids would learn by example and would start giving you and each other compliments - “I love the way you can bake so well mama” -Kids are brutally honest so when they tell you you’re pretty, you legally cannot be insecure

Franken Kyle

-He would come up behind you and put his hands on your stomach, and when he squeezed it, you’d get pissed -Push his hands away and he would get the message -But later that day when he was spooning you and put his hand on your stomach again, you pushed his hands away and tried to explain that you didn’t want him touching it, which would make him sad -He would constantly be trying to squish your stomach or your thighs and you’d hate it -Until one day you couldn’t handle it anymore and snapped - “I constantly have to take your hands off me, what is your obsession with my fat? Can’t you tell it upsets me when you touch it?” -He would be really upset but also incredibly confused how you can not love it - “I love… tummy” - “Well I don’t, so stop touching it, please” -He would be upset but nod, until later than day in bed he would beg you to feel it - “I wanna… squish… please” -No Kyle, you would insist, because you felt like even though he didn’t know what he was doing, he was reminding you of your insecurities and flaws - “I love… so much”, he would say, laying his head on the bottom of your tummy and putting his arms around your thighs -You couldn’t help but run your fingers through his hair and understand that he can’t comprehend why you’d be insecure about something so soft and squishable -If a man not burdened by society’s rules and regulations loved you so much, why did you worry about the way you looked?

Jimmy

- “What do you have to be insecure about doll?” -Make sweet love to you -Kiss every inch of your body for days after your sad conversation -He would run you a big bubble bath and insist to wash you - “I’m not a child Jimmy, I can wash myself” - “Shhh just let Daddy take care of his princess” -It would make you blush and you would hesitantly let him run the sponge all around your body -The softness in his touch would give you shivers -He’d let you relax for a little bit but stay in the room to make sure you don’t cry -Might even carry you to the bed -Would insist on putting lotion on you -He would kiss every inch of your body as he rubbed the cream in - “You know what I love about you? You don’t care what people think, that’s why you’re okay being out with a freak like me in public” - “Jimmy I don’t care about your hands, I love you the way you are” - “Ironic, ain’t it babe?” -He’d laugh against your skin as he kissed you and it’d give you goosebumps -He’d start kissing your neck whispering compliments in your ear about how good you are at certain things and how gorgeous you are doing certain things - “Want Jimmy to cheer you up? The Jimmy method?” -If you need cheering up with a Jimmy smut, click the link here.

James

-Would be genuinely confused -Can’t comprehend that somebody as incredible and beautiful as you could be insecure ­- “I just feel so ugly” - “But you are fully aware, that you are not, right dear?” -Would buy you lots of new outfits and dresses to make you feel better -Would convince you to try them on for him and would tell you how immaculate you look in all of them - “Printed fonts aren’t as beautiful as true calligraphy, wouldn’t you agree?”. You hesitantly nod, unsure of what the link is to the current conversation you’re having. “It’s the imperfections… the little man-made details are what elevate an art piece, to a piece of art”, he explains, sliding his finger down the stretch mark on your thigh. - “The stories that your body tells darling… and you would prefer to have plain porcelain skin”, he says, almost mumbling, and clicks his tongue a couple times. -Incredible eye contact as he told you how beautiful you are -These headcannons closely link to the ones I wrote about the Evans cheering you up, if you want more detail on this James scenario, click here.

Kai

-If his softer side didn’t come out, he’d act like you’re stupid - “And how exactly is crying going to solve your issues?” - “Insecurities are what make you weak, it’s easier to manipulate you when you show your soft spots” -But if, somehow, his soft side did show, he would be a lot sweeter -You’d be curled up in bed sobbing your heart out -And he would come up and sit on the edge of the bed quietly, and listen to you cry for a bit, waiting for you to notice that he’s there -When you noticed you’d nervously ramble about how insecure you are and he’d tell you to stfu - “You don’t fit the cookie cutter? You make your own fucking cookies” - “Stop worrying. From now on, you walk like you are a gift to this world” - “If somebody questions your confidence, you show them why they’re wrong and you’re right” -He wouldn’t even realise how sweet the tough love was

Mrs March Ahs

-That’s me -I’d sit and listen carefully to you rambling about how insecure you are -I’d nod as I listen so you know I’m savouring every word and take in everything you’re saying -Let you rest your head on my big ol’ boobies as I stroke your head -You’d be automatically relaxed from sniffing me -I usually smell like oranges -I don’t eat them I just have a perfume that smells like oranges -Before you know it you’re drifting off to sleep forgetting about your insecurities as I sing one direction songs to you -Give you 143 compliments a day

[mxvladdy]

Mistletoe Prt.3

Here’s the last one! Hope you like!

Asmodeus

-Adorable. He loves it. Does it have to be a kiss on the lips though? How unimaginative. -But white and green go great on him soooo -Doesn’t even try to subtle -Can and will go in for more than once for smooches

Darling~ Come over~ I have a surprise ;*

Your D.D.D lights up. Flashing and buzzing as you are bombarded with texts. The other occupants of the school study hall all shooting you scathing looks. You smile back apologetically digging through your tote for the pinging nuisance. Wrapping your hand around the device to muffle it’s noise you hurry out into the hallway to see what the emergency was.

The sigh of relief you exhale was only slightly tinged with annoyance as you read the messages.

Asmo- I told you I’m in remedial lessons today! I can’t. Can it wait till after dinner?

You hide the screen as you hear the door open. “Sorry- house emergency.” You lie, smiling up sheepishly at your professor. “I’ll be back in a moment.” Your professor grunts in acknowledgement, knowing all too well the foolishness that happens in that house. They scuttle back into the classroom with a terse warning to hurry it up. You nod and peak back at your phone.

My sinfully good looks wait for no one Plus I knoooow you’ll love this one! Oh! No-Wait! On second thought- take all the time you need. The anticipation will just make it all the more rewarding ;)

Rolling your eyes you pocket the device with a smile. Whether he is teasing or not at least you’ll have something to gossip about with Solomon next weekend. The rest of the time goes at a snail's pace. Much to your annoyance, Asmodeus’s little plan working like a charm. You were beyond curious to see what he had. You had to admit he gave the best presents and fashion tips. Wasn’t Majolish having a winter sale? Idly you let your mind wander to what was in store for tonight till your remedial lesson was over. Not waiting for the dismissal bell you pack quickly and make your way back home.

The halls are quiet when you enter. Most of the brothers still out doing their after school activities or jobs. You head to Asmo’s room without interruption and knock.

No answer.

“Asmo.” You try again knocking louder. “You in there?” Still nothing. Pressing your ear to the door you strain your senses to hear if he was in. The door swings open and you lurch forward toppling over yourself.

“Falling for me already? You haven’t even seen what I have on!” Asmo giggles from his place beside the door. He makes no offer to help you up instead waits for reaction. Righting yourself on the floor you gaze up at him ready to chew him out. Your words die on your lips, a chuckle slipping out instead. “Hey!” Asmo’s tone dropped from teasing to hurt. “Don’t laugh! I look adorable.”  

“I’m not laughing at that. It’s- It’s just you do know you don’t get more kisses with the amount of mistletoe you have right?” You laugh harder as his face turns bright pink.

Collecting yourself, you look around the room. Bless, he put a lot of effort into this. His bedroom could have been a set for a home and living magazine. His fireplace was lit. Flames crackling merrily and throwing it’s toasty warmth around the room. On top of it the mantle is decorated with winter shrubbery and bowls of cinnamon scented pinecones, all tastefully topped with white little berries. A tray by his couch held a bottle of something red, no doubt a sweet dry wine and some snacks pilfered from the kitchens. He even had some blankets and pillows strewn about. Whether for use or decoration was anyone's guess. But, you had a nagging suspicion you would find out.

He looks down at his mistletoe themed ensemble then the room at large. “Guess I did go a little overboard.” He helps you up with a chuckle of his own. “But can you blame me?”

You hold him close snuggling into the soft sweater he wore (also knitted with little berries in the design). “Most definitely.” You agree. “Great attempt though. Earned you at least one kiss.”

“Oh?” He pouts. “Can’t break that silly ol’ human rule for me~” His brows waggle suggestively.

“Hmmm- promise not to tell anyone?” You link your fingers around his neck to pull him down for a gentle press of lips. He tasted like mint and sugar. “It’s quite unorthodox.”

“With enough incentive darling, anything for you.” He returns your chaste kiss with a heated one of his own.

Beelzebub

-Hmmm berries tasty -Honestly he doesn’t really care about it - He just never really gave it any mind. He wouldn’t force a kiss on you and this feels kinda like it -But if you're ok with this and free kisses? Well he can get behind that

How unusual. Well, it’s not unusual to see Beel in the kitchen. Not at all. What was odd was what he was doing. He was cooking, not just eating the ingredients. baking to be precise. You had come in for a midday cup of coffee and snack.  But now you were curious to see what he was up to. To find him so thoroughly preoccupied was rare.

“Beel?” You approach him peeking over his massive back to see what he was flouring on the butcher block. He acknowledges you with a low grunt. His eyes locked with the screen of his phone. Back hunched and elbow deep in flour and egg he was kneading his dough. He was so engrossed. “You wanna go get something to eat?” You eye the mess in front of him. You can hear his stomach groan and growl. Yet he didn’t touch anything in front of him.

Suddenly his head snaps to you, eyes wide as he realizes who is in the room with him. “Ah-you were supposed to be in your room.” He rises to his full height trying to hide the mess on the table. He was covered in powdered sugar and flour, a smudge of jelly smeared across the arch of his nose to his right blushing cheek.

“Sorry. Want me to pretend I didn’t?” You wipe the jelly off of his face and smile.

“No-the surprise is lost.” He shakes his head, but brightens immediately. “It’s ok though, would you like to help?”

You agree readily, completing glossing over his previous comment. You were too excited to just spend some time cooking with him to notice.  He was making shortbread cookies. Cut dough of all shapes and sizes were piled all over the counter. Some iced, some cooling, and some waiting to be shaped. You take up the mantle of the official cookie cutter picking through the multitude of different holiday cookie cutters he had bought to find the perfect one. “So what brought this on?” You ask from your perch a little while later. You were taking a break to watch him pull out a sheet from the oven with his bare hands.

He brings the tray over to the counter sliding the cookies off the sheet to the cooling rack. “I thought you would like it. Something to remind you of home.” Oh. He fiddles with his fingers picking at the nail beds before continuing. “And also I ah-” He turns to the fridge returning with a small plate with two iced cookies. “I made some with the mistletoe baked in, but then I read it was poisonous to humans. So I ate those.”

You looked down at the mistletoe shaped cookies. The white and green icing bleed a little at the edges but the lines were steady and done with care. You beam up at Beel taking the offered plate. He waits  watching you take a large bite. You let out a delighted moan. The buttery cookie melts down on your tongue. The mix of salty and sweet was perfect.

“Good?” He asks, holding his breath. Nodding vigorously you offer him the other one. “No- I made those for you.” He takes one of the none iced ones and plops down next to you watching you enjoy your treat.

“This was wonderful! Thank you Beel.” The Devildom was great but you did miss some of the smaller things the human world had to offer. “You know the old tradition with mistletoe?” He cocks his head and shrugs, mouth full of cookies. He knew it was something couples did but beyond that he couldn’t recall.

You wave him down to your level. He goes leaning down to meet your determined gaze. Quick as a wink you strike kissing him twice. Once on his lips then the second time to chase away the crumbs stuck to the corner of his lips. He leans back swallowing with an audible gulp. “The first one was for the mistletoe and the second was for the cookies.”

“Oh-” He croaks dumbly. “I have more shaped like that on the cooling rack.”

“I’ll help you ice them if you pay me in some kisses of my own.” You’ve never seen him move so fast.

Belphegor

-Meh. He use to love it when he would still visit the human realm as an angel

-Now though, the peasantry of it is dulled. Reminds him of sweeter yet more sour times with his sister

-But with you around now he might just give it another shot

The bed sheets shift uncharacteristically behind you. Belphie’s warm body disappearing from your back. Odd. You squint to the grandfather clock across his room. It was way too early for Belphie to be moving. You stay curled under the blankets listing him to tiptoe around the attic. He mutters something under his breath bumping into something large and heavy on the floor. He goes quiet and you feel his eyes lock onto your back. You let out a snore.

“You are a terrible actor.”

“And you are terrible at sneaking.” You flip over to shoot him a glare. “Why are you out of bed? ‘M cold.” You yawn throwing the blankets back and beckoning him back. He doesn’t budge. “Belphie~” You whine patting his cooling spot.

“No. Go back to sleep.” He leaves not sparring you a second glance. Hmph- rude. Bundling up with his abandoned pillows you do just that. Too sleepy to be miffed at his curt behavior.

Next time you wake it’s to someone gently stroking your cheek. Humming you nuzzle into it ready to drift off again. Only then to have the same soft fingers pinch your nose shut. You gasp toppling over the side of the bed. Belphegor laughter clearing the sleep from your mind. “You ass.” You squeak up at him from your prone position on the carpeted floor.

He shrugs sliding down to the floor. “You wouldn’t wake up so-”

Gee, you wonder why. It was still super early in the morning, the second moon of the Devildom still high in the sky. You glance at the clock again. He had only been gone for an hour. “Are you going to tell me what this is all about?” You rub the sleep from your eyes.

He shakes his head and helps you to your feet. “Better yet, I’ll show you. Bring a pillow and put your slippers on. It’s cold.” He leads you out into the hall, his presences calm and contemplative. Surprisingly alert too.  

Belphie takes you down to the house's planetarium unlocking the door with a flick of his hand. “Had to make sure the others didn’t ruin it.” He answers your confused look. “I would have to get violent if Mammon stole my stuff-again.” Pushing open the door he lets you in first. You gasp.

The room was a winter wonderland to put it mildly. Large ornaments dangled from the many wood beams of the ceiling. All for them giving off a soft glow of light like a lantern. Enchanted snow fell from the rafters. The flakes kissing your skin before melting on contact with your bed warmed skin. Snow and frost glistened around coating the plants and sitting area in a white blanket. Ice coats the window panes and clings to the arched ceiling. “Like it?” You nod wordlessly turning in slow circles to take it all in.

“Why aren’t I freezing?” You cup your hands, curious as to why the snow didn’t freeze your fingertips. He smiles softly at your wonder.

“It’s magic. Can’t have your weak human body freezing to death.”

“Hey!” He laughs at your feigned anger. Taking your hand again he helps you down to a nest of pillows and blankets all bundled around his stargazing machine. “What’s the occasion?” You ask, getting comfy down on the floor. He winks not answering you. Instead he goes to work on his machine. Once he is satisfied he comes to sit down next to you. Wordlessly you crawl into his lap, as you did every time he wished to stargaze with you.

He is quiet for sometime after that, only breaking it to point out an interesting constellation from time to time. You go into a peaceful daze, lulled by his warmth and his thumb stroking slow and soothing circle between your shoulder blades.

“I used to do this with Lilith. It was an old tradition of ours. During the winter months on earth we would sneak down to observe the stars. Sometimes even the northern lights depending on where we went.” He pauses for a moment lost in the past. You wait resting a hand on his knee. “We saw a lot of weird traditions down there. Some I loved. After-after the fall I lost a lot of those feelings. But then you had to show up…” He glances down at you with a wiry smirk. You return it followed by a middle finger. He flashes you a fang, pulling you closer to his chest. “There was one tradition I found the oddest, but I always enjoyed it. Would you like to try it with me?”

You nod intrigued to what human custom such an ancient being like him enjoyed. He jerks his chin to one of the lower beams of the ceiling. Tied to it was a mass of white and green berries. “Wow.” It was all you were able to muster, your throat feeling tight from the sentiment and implications.

“Tch-Do you not like it?” His voice turns terse unsure if he should be insulted or saddened.

“No, never. Just wasn’t expecting you to be so smooth.” You chuckle leaning up to press a kiss to the underside of his jaw.

“Hey!” He snaps pulling your head away. “That didn’t count.”

“No?.” You huff. “Perhaps you should show me how it’s done then.”

[minteyedoll]

Hi!! I love the way you write 💞 can I please request hcs for the rfa + Saeran with an MC who bakes when they’re stressed? Like it can be the night before an exam and they’d be making cupcakes at 3 in the morning or they’d be stressed over something at work and they’d come home and just start making a cake,,, this request may or may not be a result of me baking cupcakes because I have an essay due tonight no not at all 😅😅 have a great day! Thank you 💞💞

I feel you it's 9 pm in finals and here I am doing a flashy makeup to avoid stress :b. Thank you so much for requesting and I hope you like it 

RFA+Saeran with an MC that stress-bakes

*Yoosung*

Boy will always come home during finals week and the smell will punch him in the face flooding him with happiness

he totally gets it, he started to play LOLOL as a way to distract himself

it's also kind of relaxing for him to listen to you baking and smell whatever you are working on

will sneak inside the kitchen and steal frosting before you are done, receiving a soft punch in the arm for it

He says he can´t wait for you to be done, but he loves to mess with you

let me tell you, this boy can't decor a baked good for his life, it's always a mess ending with a naked cake and a frosted Yoosung

It was funny, you can't deny it, but on the other side, he will be in charge of the coffee while you keep on baking, match made in heaven

However, you both know you have other things to do, and he will encourage you to finish any important before the deadline remembering how much you

*Zen*

He is delighted whenever you gift him something you make and will announce it to the whole world how loved he feels 

The chatroom is always being spammed with pictures of things you give him because oh my god his babe is sweeter than those cupcakes!!!

It takes him a while to understand this hobby of yours also depends on how stressed you are

let's say that he started noticing he always gained some weight when finals week arrived

either way, he will still eat everything you bake, because you always bake too much to just eat it by yourself and it wouldn't matter if he gained weight since his face alone is more than perfect

even if he is in a restrictive diet for a role, he will still sneak in a couple of cookies

*Jaehee*

-can you have a more perfect way to distress? no

- in the beginning, she wanted to focus on getting her work done and would prefer you to do the same before doing anything else

-But after a while, she will most likely not stop you from ditching work and keep on baking

-In fact, she will join you too and both of you will stay up at late just to finish up whatever you both stopped doing before baking

-Jumin started to wonder why she started coming in every day with a different sweet

-Like Yoosung, she will help with the coffee, but she is also soooo good at baking it's hard to compare you

-Idk what you want me to say, isn't it canon that you both are perfect?

*Jumin*

-he finds you at 3 am in the kitchen looking for flour and at first, thinks you just want something sweet to eat

-and we all know what he did when he thought you just wanted a cake, he brought the best Pastry Chef in Korea to the penthouse

-when he noticed that it wasn't necessarily that you wanted sweets but that it was a something you enjoyed making, he offered to open a pastry shop for you, it was not even a shop it was a whole chain

- Take it or leave it, either way, he will equip his kitchen to have every gadget available in the market

- including cat-shaped cookie cutters

- Surprisingly or not, I think Jumin has a really sweet tooth so he will love to eat everything you make and will also turn out to be pretty good in anything that is not decoring

- it will be part of your routine to finish up an exhausting week (or day) with a red velvet cake and his favorite bottle of Pinot Noir, just chilling together

*Saeyoung*

-boi is always stressed, even if he tries to not show it, everyone ends up noticing how stressed he is

-but sometimes, when you have been awfully quiet, he realizes you are not in the room anymore and goes looking for you only to find you baking AGAIN

-Seeing you take a break usually encourages him to take a break too

-But we can all agree this boy is better off outside the kitchen, and Vanderwood will thank you if you keep it like that

-he will make you something to help you tho, if he can't get inside the kitchen, then maybe a robot helper? or an automatic frosting machine that will draw the long cat??

-If you want to experiment a little why not try some Honey Buddha Chips flavored dessert?? He will be really touched even if it doesn't turn out that good. He will eat them while going back to work and feel so loved, he can't wait to finish already and go back to you.

*Saeran*

- Unlike his brother, he knows what he is doing and the kitchen loves him  

- you can be stressed when you first started baking, but after he joins you it becomes a small mess of laughs and frosting fights where both of you end up covered in icing sugar and flour

- However, the result is always amazing since both of you poured your heart making every sweet

- After making that amazing ice cream cake, he will sit down with you and try to solve anything that makes you stress

- if it is a deadline, he will sit with you and snack until you finish up, if it's a bigger issue he will also stay with you to find a solution

- I love the idea of him watching your hobby and mixing flowers with it, like, boy will learn how to make fondant flowers to place on top of your cupcakes right away

*V*

-He knows you do it to distract yourself but he still gets worried if you start doing it every day because it worries him that more than a hobby, there is something stressing you

-is there something that you want to avoid? is there any way he can help you with it? come on talk to him

-if there is not a reason and maybe you just felt like baking first thing in the morning he won't comply

-idk about his cooking skills but I know that this man right here will be the best decorating anything you make

- But not because of that it is any less fun, you always end up feeding each other random bites of whatever you are making and laughing at each other while making weird faces

I really hope you liked it, you also may want to check my 

Masterlist 

[chans-baby-girl]

How I think Stray Kids would react when you babysit your younger Sibling/Cousin(s)

***

Disclaimer: This is totally 110% my opinion and isn’t meant to dictate the way they act in real life. Also I want to clear up that when I say younger I mean like within the 3-8 age range. This is purely based of me and my thoughts so please take this post with a grain of salt.

Bang Chan

Chan is definitely the type of person who wants to make others happy so I feel like he would get along with your family well

He is definitely the type to change his voice and act sweeter when they are around

He would try hard get them to interact with them and would use a lot of baby talk and a lot of cringed dancing

I feel like he be awkward at first but persistent with the children and would rather engage in more docile activities like coloring and painting

He would and will feed the younger ones and he really enjoys giving them toys to play with

He is the type to watch movies with your family

Very sweet and kind and would buy snacks for them to get on your Sibling/Cousin(s) good side

He wore a cocky smile once when the kids all told him he was the best big brother/cousin ever

He never let you forget that he was the favorite out of you both

He is the type to be affectionate to an extent: he likes to give hugs and hold hands

Very much the kind of guy who would stay by your Sibling/cousin(s) side until they fall asleep

Is not the best with babies

Cant stand the smell of diapers but he will ask you to teach him because he wants to help

Didn’t know to carry the baby right

Overall I feel like Chan would put in effort to get along with your family because he wants you happy. He actually likes kids so I feel like calming acts like drawing and painting while listening to nice music or BGM would be a common thing with him. He would also give lots of hugs because he is just sweet like that. He flaunts his popularity with the kids in front of you a lot, but you know he would be nothing without your advice.

Minho

Lee Know is a pretty reserved and emotional unavailable person at times until you get to know him so I feel like kids aren’t exactly his forte HOWEVER despite my first thoughts I actually found out he has a big soft spot for children

For babies he is really adorable his pride is also out the window he won’t spare a single glance to you because then he gets embarrassed but he loves baby talk and will interact a bit with baby toys. And he LIVES for making kids smile and laugh. I feel like when they are a certain age he would do more older “fitting” things

He would express his fondness in his own way so I feel like he would try to indirectly warm up/ get them to warm up to him by getting their favorite snacks or getting board games and things they like for them.

You would tell your cousins that Minho had gotten them and you swear you had seen a shadow of a smile grace his features when your Sibling/cousin(s) swarmed him in hugs

You caught Minho one time babbling and waiving toys around with your sibling/cousin(s). He was smiling and tickling the child and pressing small kisses to their face(s) and head(s). He didn’t notice you were there until you started laughing at this uncharacteristic side of him and he threatened you to keep quiet.

He is actually good with babies even tho he won’t admit it.

He does know how to change diapers despite being an only child

Can hold babies right he likes to pick them up and walk around with them

Very much the type who would calmly watch movies with them

WOULD 100% COOK DINNER FOR THEM or makes them snacks

He is the type of person to be considerate with smaller portions for the kids

WOULD CUTE SANDWICHES WITH COOKIE CUTTERS

Would bring his cats out and would encourage the children to play with them

He would bring out cat toys and smile as the kids run around with cat toys (plz I love this dude 😭)

WOULD 100% TAKE FILTERED SELFIES WITH THEM AND POST IT

Overall I feel like Minho is a softie for kids but just doesn’t know to approach them right. He does try and the kids do love him. He always believes in making them comfortable and he gets happy when the kids love his food. It took him a bit but he grew to love them a lot.

Changbin

I am a firm believer of Changbin being a menace so I feel like he would get along with kids well in general

TOMFOOLERY

He would 100% be the one who give the children piggyback rides and would swing/spin them back and forth

Movie nights and cuddles are 100% a thing

Would literally do aegyo with the kid(s) to convince you to do things with them

Just aegyo mode in general especially when he is playing with them.

He gives me ‘ I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep vibes

Will literally buy a bunch of snacks “for the children” and then eat a bunch of them

Would and will play tag around your place at one point

Is pretty good with babies to an extent.

Doesn’t have patience for crying

But he will tire the baby out and feed them

100% a huge TICKLE MONSTER he would love to hold them and tickle them after they just played a game

Would buy a nightlight just for them

Overall I think Changbin would be really good with kids. I feel like he can be really sweet, playful, and childish on his own and it really helps him fit in well with them. The kids always like him because he is very active with them and he treats them well. He really likes them because he likes that the children match his chaotic energy.

Hyunjin

A lot of STAYs say that they think Hyunjin’s dramatic ass WOULDNT have the patience to deal with children but I actually think he would be really good with them.

I feel he would match a child’s dramatic and goofy energy perfectly…a little too perfectly

Would join in any whining and begging your sibling/cousin(s) have(whether it’s about going out or wanting something specific)

“Pleaseeee babyyy we wannnt ittt”

He probably didn’t even know what they wanted he just wanted to be “cute”

Very much the type to paint with them or draw your sibling/cousin(s) and make them awestruck

Plays with them whether it’s board, mobile, or classic games because he likes to be active

He strikes me as the type of person to take random pictures of them with filters (like Minho)

Takes them to the park or on picnics

With babies I think he would play with them until they cried because he wouldn’t have that kind of patience. Or he would try his best to be cute and make them laugh by playing with them/picking them up and shushing them but if he doesn’t prevail he gives up and passes them to you.

Does not know how to hold a baby right…you had to teach him.

Overall Hyunjin would be very sweet and chaotic with your family. He wants to make you happy and he ends up becoming really fond of the children. He can be dramatic but that’s why they love him but they also love how he plays with them. He always has fun with the kids and it makes you swoon everytime.

Jisung

WOULD LITERALLY START FIGHTS WITH THE KIDS 😭 FOR BEING “unfair”

Loves to play with the kids all the time. He always makes them smile on purpose. He definitely does impressions or he makes funny faces to get reactions out of them

His pride literally goes out the window there is baby talk everywhere his facial expressions show no limits and he do anything(even embarrass himself) to see kids smile

He helps you feed the little babies

You taught him how to change diapers and he’s proud to be able to change them by himself

He likes to put them to sleep. He finds it relaxing

Would literally be no help if one of them cried…(as we’ve seen) he will literally be so problematic and cry with them because he thinks he’s funny

He literally thinks they are so cute and looks at them with a huge smile on his face

Will dance randomly with them and play a lot of kids music

He strikes me as the type of guy to fall asleep with your Sibling/cousin(s) in his arms

I feel like in all honesty he would be very lovable in their eyes I also feel like they would love how sweet he is to them and he would be a favorite

Very much the type to give them forehead kisses/ shower their faces in kisses while he tickles them

Very much the type to sing kids to sleep

Will spend ours playing and just indulging them in whatever their heart desires.

Games of tag and hide and seek are a must with this man

Overall Jisung is another caring person who really likes kids. He tries his hardest to make them happy and really finds joy in comforting them. He really tries for you and it’s something he ended up really enjoying.

Felix

A literal sweetheart he would get along with your family really well

I just feel like he would come off as too much to the youngest family members (like babies) but for the older family members(like 5-8) he would be more fun in their eyes

Definitely backs for and with them and they always get messy. He will buy things like frosting and sprinkles when he knows their coming so they can decorate their own sweets

He would cuddle a lot or let them lay on him while they nap

I feel like he would try a bit too hard for the kids to like him but it’s just because he cares and he gets excited.

He does engage in playing with them and can and would help feed them

He strikes me as someone who would even help with diapers on an occasion

If the children ever had nightmares I feel like Felix would get up and make sure they are alright and care for them (get them water/maybe a snack) and then tuck them back into bed

He loves babies and he will ask you to teach him how to hold one right or how to feed them and things like that

Definitely happened once when on of your Sibling/Cousin(s) had a bad nightmare and they came into your room. Felix had gotten them water and a little treat and put them in their guest room. They asked Felix to stay until they slept and he obliged happily. Now he subconsciously becomes a really light sleeper when he knows you are having kids over.

He’s honestly very supportive of having kids over and it makes him picture having some of his own one day

Overall Felix is a total darling with kids. He finds a lot of comfort in watching them and interacting with them because he often misses his own family. He likes baking and helping them decorate things because he thinks it’s adorable that your family wants to help with things like that. Your Sibling/Cousin(s) really like going over because they always know they can expect a sweet treat and a kind smile to go with it.

Seungmin

To me I think seungmin would be ok with kids

He would just be kinda awkward since he never had got to experience having younger siblings

He would just stick to waving toys around and he would partake in an occasional peek a boo or party cake

I feel like he would be good at being with older children and he would play school with them. I just feel like with babies he doesn’t know how to Interact with them and with older kids they can at least understand him so it’ll be easier for him

He would play board games with them or small games because he really wants to try to make it fun for them or if he sees them playing with something he would slowly join them in an attempt to play with them.

He would literally suck up to them because he really really wants them to like him because he knows how important this is to you.

Buys them candy or sweet things to make them happy but will literally take them to the bathroom to brush their teeth after.

Weirdly enough he likes feeding babies. He doesn’t know why but he finds it oddly calming

When he does play with the children he can get a bit competitive but he has to remind himself he is the adult.

He would 100% ask you how to take care of kids or tips and pointers when he is unsure because he really likes kids he just is awkward with them.

Not good with babies

I just feel like the patience Is not there for him and he would give up and ask you for help

Overall Seungmin really tries to be good for you. He does but he is more of an introvert so letting go of himself is harder for him and it makes it difficult for him to interact with carefree children as a result. But when he has his moments of confidence he will play with your family to the best of his abilities because he wants you to know that even if he can’t make them howl with laughter he enjoys being with them.

Jeongin

He is the maknae and he has a younger brother so I feel like he himself has this child like behavior so he knows how to entertain little ones because in a way he is one himself

Loves to impress kids EX: magic tricks, peek a boo, hide and seek

He is very interactive and he adores playing with the kids.

He freaks out a bit when they start crying so he’ll often run to you holding them asking you to “Fix them please” (he is so cute 😭)

Another One that loves feeding babies.

He likes being able to help you babysit and take care of the kids because it makes him feel responsible and it makes him feel like an adult.

I feel like he would be good at cradling babies to sleep and comforting them

He would 100% have a nightlight for your Sibling/Cousin(s) after hearing they are scared of the dark and would make sure they are absolutely ok before they go to sleep

I feel like he would get matching Pjs with some of your older cousins (ages 5-8)

He is good with babies: he can feed,change,and put them to sleep

Overall Jeongin really likes kids. He will go to lengths to make them smile simply because he finds them utterly adorable and he has no problems shedding his pride (even if he is a bit embarrassed when you’re watching) to let himself go and play with the kids. You always laugh at him but deep down you are happy to have someone like him to help you.

***

Authors Note: Hello! I just wanted to say thank you for making it this far this was something on my mind for a while. I had meant for it to be like five bullet points each but uh…I got carried away🤡. Sorry if it’s not entirely accurate I mostly based it on my own personal opinion as well as the video where they interact with children. But yes please feel free to give me constructive criticism or send me asks if you want more things like this!!!! Ok have a great day/night wherever you are<3

[silver--storms]

Sweet Like Honey

This was a request from an anon for a plus size and struggling with body issues reader and Danny smut.  Thank you @satans-helper​ for the gif suggestion and for also sort of requesting this lol. 

It was originally supposed to be a HC but I kind of got carried away. I hope you like it, as always let me know what you think! xox

Warnings: NSFW 18+ unprotected sex, p-word, oral.

    You and Danny had been good friends for years, you saw each other almost every day and shared a love of french fries. You had always secretly pined for him, but tried to push those thoughts to the side, you knew he’d never be interested in a girl like you.

  Danny seemed to have a type, tall, thin and long beachy blond hair, though the relationships never lasted too long. If you asked him he’d tell you his type was dark hair, bright eyes and a killer smile. Yet he always seemed to end up with the same kind of girls, the homecoming queen, someone you’d never live up to.             You had always struggled with body image, always feeling like the frumpy best friend, never anyone’s first choice. You had tried to lose weight, but could never stay consistent at it. You were average at best, never really catching anyone’s eye and spent most of high school single and an outsider. Danny never seemed to notice, he always included you, inviting you out to parties and to other social gatherings. You don’t think it ever phased Danny that you were only really part of his “clique” because he wanted you there.

     As usual Danny had invited you over for pizza and movies, your typical Tuesday night routine and like always you picked up a twelve pack of Sam Adams on your way over. It was Danny’s turn to pick the movie, of course he picked a slasher film, he knew you were a baby and couldn’t hang when it came to scary movies. Halfway through you were practically holding a blanket up to your face, barely able to focus on the screen, you turned your head and pushed it into Danny’s arm.

He just laughed at you,  “You good? Do you want me to turn it off?” he said while wrapping his arm around you.  

You admittedly were a little caught off guard by him pulling you close to him, his warm familiar warmth washing over you, his smell was intoxicating, you couldn’t help but nuzzle into his bicep. 

   “Y/n?” he brushed some hair out of your face, “Did you want me to turn it off or not?” he chuckled as he cocked his head giving you a confused expression.

Snapping back to reality, realizing you hadn’t answered him, “Uh..no, it’s fine, just this scene is freaking me out.” 

     Danny just nodded, returning his focus to the t.v, he pulled you closer into his chest. His arm sliding down and following the curve of your waist. His fingers gently caressed you, moving their way farther down and stopping at your hip. Danny’s touch alone caused goosebumps to dance across your skin, you were frozen, staring at the movie completely unphased by how scary it was a few moments ago.Your heart was beating out of your chest, unsure exactly what was happening, you could feel an unspoken tension between the two of you.

     A few moments had passed, Danny still rubbing your side, you could feel his breath tickling your face. You looked up to find Danny staring right at you, matching your gaze, your eyes were locked. Danny sighed, looking down at his lap,

   “Y/n, Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?” his words hit you like a ton of bricks, unsure if you had fallen asleep and this was somehow some sort of dream.

 “Uh..” you stuttered, “I guess not, I never really thought you ever noticed me.”

He looked back at you, tilting his head  “Why do you think I’m always wanting to hang out so much?” He admitted, “Or how about why my relationships have never lasted past two months?” 

    You just looked at him with a confused expression as if he had asked you to do mental math, “What?” you said, perplexed, thinking back to all the times you had shoved your feelings down deep inside of you when he’d tell you about a new girl he liked or when you had to watch him take other girls to a dance back in high school.

    Danny moved his hand to cup your face, tilting it up to his, he tenderly pressed his forehead to yours for a brief moment and kissed you ever so delicately. You felt yourself melt into him like honey, the taste of his lips was even sweeter, he quietly moaned and slipped his tongue in.  Before you knew it, he was climbing on top of you and working his way down to your neck, he sucked hard leaving marks all over.

   Your hands slid up his neck, holding the back of his head, tangling your fingers in his curls. You wrapped your legs around his waist, unable to hold back, letting out a deep moan when he bit down. Danny took this as a queue to keep going, his hand started to pull your shirt up, almost exposing your stomach. Like a reflex, your hand shot down to his, stopping him mid-action, immediately you panicked. You suddenly felt extremely insecure, knowing you didn’t fit the cookie cutter image you assumed he was used to seeing.

Danny looked up at you, his eyes got big, “Oh my god, I’m sorry did I upset you?” he said in a concerned tone.

 You sputtered, “Uh, no, Danny it’s just..” you looked down, feeling your face get hot,  “It’s just that I don’t look like the other girls you’ve been with. I just don’t want you to be disappointed.” you sighed.

Danny’s expression fell for a second before leaning back in to kiss you, he pulled back and whispered against your lips, “You could never disappoint me, I happen to find you extremely sexy you know?” 

You felt your heart flutter, letting a smile escape you “Yeah? Do you want to prove it?” you quipped, unable to believe those words were leaving your mouth. 

Danny just chuckled while grabbing your wrist, jerking you up quickly and practically tossing you onto his lap,“Yeah I do.” he said, sweeping you up into a passionate kiss and going back to where he left off on your neck. 

  You felt his erection pressing into your center through his pants, without even thinking about it you started to grind into him and panting into his ear. Danny’s hands traveled down to your ass, giving you a firm slap and a tight squeeze.You could feel yourself getting wet, your panties were soaked as you rocked your hips back and forth. You pulled your top off, sliding it over your head exposing your full breasts to Danny, he quickly removed your bralette and almost instantly his mouth met your nipples. 

He sucked, flicked and bit down hard causing you to yelp. His calloused hands slid up and down your waist, massaging your skin and driving you crazy. You couldn’t take it anymore, you feverishly started unbuckling his belt and working down to the fly of his pants. The fabric was strained, holding back his growing bulge, when you finally got it open his cock sprung out without warning. 

    Danny grabbed a fistful of your hair, following his lead you got on your knees and gummed him over his boxers. With his other hand, Danny gripped the couch and bucked his hips up towards you with a moan. You pulled his pants all the way down, along with his boxers, exposing his large cock. It’s length was intimidating, but you were up for the challenge as your mouth started to water. The moment your mouth met the tip of him, Danny’s mouth dropped open and he threw his head back in ecstasy. Your tongue swirled the tip of his dick, making sure to slide it over his slit and give him a few soft sucks.

   Danny was impatient, he gently pressed your head down farther onto him and you gladly obliged taking more of him until he hit the back of your throat. You gagged from how thick he was but kept going, your saliva dripping down onto the base of his cock and your eyes starting to water. You picked up your pace and felt him throbbing as his filled your entire mouth. You were surprised with how vocal Danny was, he was shamelessly moaning, letting our sharp pitched gasps and deep groans.

     At some point Danny stopped you, panting heavily, he had you stand up and slide your pants down but kept your lacy underwear on. Coincidentally they were bright blue, his favorite color. You straddled him as he slid your underwear over to the side, you mentally prepared yourself to take on his size, lining him up with your opening. You carefully sat down onto him, just the tip first as you adjusted, but you were so wet it wasn’t long until he filled you up and bottomed out. 

  When he hit your hilt, Danny sputtered and dug his nails into your skin, “Holy shit, you’re so tight and wet, you feel so good on my cock.” he said with an explicit sigh.

   Hearing those words from Danny was enough to make you cum almost instantaneously, but you held back and started to hop up and down on him. Danny firmly grabbed you by your hips, controlling your rhythm as he bounced you up and down in a fast but rough pace. Every time you slammed down on his huge cock, he plummeted against your g-spot, it was over from then on. Danny held you still, taking control he hammered into your pussy causing you to cum hard and fast. You cried out, breathless, it was all you could do to hold on to him while being wrecked by the intense waves of pleasure.

     You felt yourself contract around him, Danny moaned with you, increasing his pace. His muscles flexed beneath you, he was close, you felt him about to pull out so he could cum but you wanted to feel him cum inside of you. You pushed his hand away, picking yourself up with your knees and rolled your hips into him as he hit his high. Danny moaned loudly as you felt his warmth coat your walls, the sensation alone made you fall into another orgasm.

  The two of you moaning together, rocking into each other, both delirious with pleasure. As you both came down from your highs, still in his lap, Danny pulled you in close to you. Still breathing heavily he said,

 “That was absolutely amazing, y/n. I’ve never cum so hard in my life.” he admitted, “why didn’t we do this earlier?” he smiled at you.

You just laughed, “All I know is we’ll never know how that movie ended and I’m okay with that.” you said leaning in for another sweet kiss. 

[worryinglyinnocent]

Fic: Sweet as Sugar

Rated: E

Sweet as Sugar

When the Golds had first divorced, the custody arrangement had granted both parents equal access to Bae. One week with his mother, one week with his father. Over time, though, this had changed to alternate weekends with his mother and most of his time with his father.

As Gold heard his son arguing with Milah all the way up the street towards the pawn shop, he wondered for the umpteenth time why Milah didn’t just sign over her parental rights entirely. It was supposed to be Bae’s weekend with his mother. It was also, however, the weekend of the school charity bake sale and since Milah had an extreme aversion to extra-curricular activities, Gold had already surmised that Milah would find some excuse to bring Bae back to his father for this weekend.

Not that Gold minded, far from it. He would give anything to have sole custody of Bae. No, he was angry on Bae’s behalf, because it meant yet another broken promise.

Almost on cue, the pawn shop door opened and Bae’s indignant protest of ‘but you promised!’ could be heard from the pavement outside.

“Yes, yes, I know. I’ll make it up to you next weekend.”

“But the bake sale is this weekend and you promised we’d bake cookies!” Bae had been looking forward to the bake sale for a while now, and his tone was extremely indignant.

“Oh, just buy some cookies at the store and stick them in a Tupperware, no one will know.”

“It’s not the same!”

Milah sighed and looked up at Gold. “Look, something’s just come up and I need to leave town for a couple of days, can you take him?”

Gold privately wondered if the thing that had come up was her lover’s cock down in Boston harbour, but he refrained from saying such.

“Of course. Come on through to the back room, Bae, and put your things there. We’ll go to the bake sale together tomorrow.”

Mollified by this, Bae rushed into the back room with his backpack.

“Thanks. I’ll take him next weekend instead. Bye Bae!”

Milah was out of the door before Bae had chance to reply, and Gold wondered what to do next. Bae wanted to take something to the bake sale and Gold didn’t want to disappoint his son with shop-bought cakes and cookies, but the fact remained that Gold himself could not bake. Cooking was one thing. Baking was quite another.

Gold’s usual response when he encountered something he couldn’t do was to call in a professional. Sadly, he did not know any professional bakers.

Well, that was a lie. He knew one. Lacey French had come onto his tenant books two years ago with her online bakery business. The only trouble was that Lacey did not make the sort of baked goods that he could take to an elementary school bake sale.

He grabbed his phone and quickly found her website. The Naked Baker – erotic cakes, cookies and confectionary for all your adult occasions. The first image on the page was of a large pink cake exquisitely decorated with crystallised sugar that could have been a geode but was far more likely to be a vulva. Below it were sugar cookies iced to look like breasts and penises. At least those made no pretensions as to what they were.

Gold sighed. Presumably, if Lacey knew how to bake naughty things, she also knew how to bake conventional things. Now all he had to do was to offer her something that she wanted in return. After all, a deal required two interested parties. Hopefully, they would be able to come to some sort of arrangement.

He closed the website and dialled Lacey’s number.

“Morning, Mr Gold.” She picked up on the first ring. “I must say, this is an unexpected call. The rent isn’t even due yet so I don’t see how I can be late with it.”

“I’m not calling about the rent. Well, not entirely. I have a business proposition for you.”

“For me? Well, well, well. I trust that you know what kind of business I’m in, Mr Gold.”

“Yes. I trust you remember from the posters plastered to every flat surface in the town that it’s the school bake sale tomorrow.”

“Mr Gold, I think we might both be put on a register somewhere if you were to take my wares to a school bake sale.”

“I wasn’t suggesting your usual talents. Just your basic skills in cake-making. In return, I’ll waive this month’s rent.”

There was a chuckle on the other end of the line. “You really must be desperately bad at baking if that’s the offer that you’re making, Mr Gold. When would you like me to come over and get started?”

“Pardon?”

“I’m assuming that the baked goods are on Bae’s behalf, and I’m assuming that he’ll want to help make them. And I can assure you that my kitchen is absolutely not suitable for children. Shall I see you in an hour?”

Gold was dumbfounded for a moment before recovering his composure and his voice enough to reply.

“Yes, that would be perfect. Thank you, Miss French.”

“Oh, please. If we’re going to be getting up close and personal in your kitchen, then you should at least call me Lacey.”

Gold was already beginning to regret his decision.

Thankfully the kitchen and the rest of the house were as immaculate as they always were after Mrs Potts had been round, although Gold had no doubts that they wouldn’t remain that way for long.

Bae was already incredibly excited at the prospect of baking, and when the doorbell rang, he leapt to answer it, ushering Lacey into the kitchen with her huge box of ingredients and equipment before Gold was even out of his chair.

To give Lacey her due, despite the fact she was wearing a see-through shirt and hot pants under her apron, she certainly knew what she was doing when it came to cookies, and Bae had a whale of a time making sugar cookie animals with her, to the point of completely forgetting that his father was in the room at all. Then Lacey asked if he’d like to ice an elephant and they all got stuck in to decorating. The difference in quality was painfully obvious, but Lacey was nothing if not genuinely encouraging of Bae’s efforts.

“He’s good,” Lacey said, once Bae had sampled a cookie and run off to play with the kids next door. “He’s got a lot of artistic talent. Maybe I ought to take him on as an apprentice when he’s old enough.”

“Thank you. I’m very proud of him.”

“You should be. He’s a great kid.”

They’d just finished washing up all Lacey’s equipment when Gold spotted the half-empty bowl of cookie dough on the side.

“Were you saving that for a special occasion?” he asked.

Lacey smirked. “Maybe. I did bring some of my more unorthodox cutters as well as the animal shapes. I wondered if you’d like to sample some of my usual work, Mr Gold.”

“I, erm…” Was she flirting with him? Gold had not been flirted with for a long time, and he had no idea how to do it back, despite the fact that he definitely, definitely wanted to.

“Yes,” he said eventually. “Yes, I’d like that.”

Lacey licked her lips. “I’d like it too.”

Within seconds she was back at the kitchen table, rolling out the dough and cutting out the familiar shapes from her website. Gold felt his cock beginning to stir, and he wondered if Lacey’s thoughts were wending in a similar direction. Their eyes kept meeting as they finished the second batch of clean-up, and Gold thought that he was about to expire with lust when Lacey took one of the still warm cookies and blew on it softly to cool it. It was almost as if he could feel her breath ghosting over his own cock, and he had to sit down quickly to cover his reaction.

“I think they’re ready to ice now,” Lacey said, handing him a tube of pale pink icing. “Although, maybe a visual aid is in order. You want them to be as true to life as possible, after all.”

She gave him a sultry look as she unbuttoned her shirt, opening the front clasp of her bra and spreading the halves to show off her breasts, perfect creamy pink with dark nipples already pebbled into hard points.

“Or maybe you see something you want to taste more than the cookies,” she purred. “I know I do.” She was staring at his crotch, his erection undeniable now, and she licked her lips.

Gold let out a sound embarrassingly like a squeak and icing spurted out of the piping bag in his clenched fist. Lacey just laughed before pulling him in by the tie and kissing him. Gold accepted her wholeheartedly, their kisses hungry and full of a desire to taste and be sated. He worked his way down from her lips over her neck and chest to suck on her nipples; God, she tasted sweeter than her cookies and he had to know if the rest of her was as delectable. He was sure it would be, but perhaps he would have to wait until another time. Right now, Lacey was unfastening his belt and fly, her breath tickling over the tip of his aching cock for real and driving him insane as she grabbed a condom from her purse and rolled it on. Then, her shorts were on the floor, thong pushed to the side as she scrambled into his lap. Gold slipped a hand down between them to pet at her entrance; she was already hot and wet.

“Fuck, Gold,” she panted between their continued messy, heated kisses. “Fuck. I can’t stop thinking about this. Christ, since I first moved into town and started baking, I’ve been thinking about this. I think about it whenever I’m working.”

Well, that was new and unexpected information, and Gold did not have time to fully process it before Lacey had grabbed his cock, lining them up and sinking down onto him. He could only groan, rolling his hips up to meet her as she rubbed frantically at her clit. He squeezed her breast, pinching her nipple and making her squeal.

It did not take long for them to come, Lacey’s inner walls clenching around his cock bringing him over the edge with her, and as they sat together in the cooling, Gold finally had time to process what had just happened.

Lacey giggled. “You look so spaced. Don’t tell me that I actually fucked your brains out.”

“No, I think you did. That was…”

“Better than cookies?”

“Infinitely better than cookies. Is there…” He wanted to ask if there was any chance of this becoming more, of if it was strictly a one-time thing to relieve the tension that Lacey had – that both of them in truth, had – been feeling for so long. “Would you like to come and bake here again?”

“Oh, I’d love to, but most of my specialist equipment is at home. I’m happy to make some very special cookies for you there, though.” She winked.

“You know, Bae’s at his mother’s next weekend.” Gold hoped that he didn’t sound too desperate.

“Then it’s a date, Gold. Bring an apron. Things might get messy.”

Gold gulped. As much as he was wondering what he’d let himself in for, he was very much looking forward to it.

[thisway-imagines]

Making Christmas cookies with Lukas or Joshua!? I love baking and my ginger boys

judge cozy says: uhhhhh why not both

(also i did something similar with lukas here, but i’ll write anything with my husband in it. i honestly couldn’t stop myself so under the cut)

Lukas

If there’s one season that he loves, it’s Christmas. He doesn’t mind the cold, but doesn’t seem to like it very much. However, this all changes when you came into his life - now he adores huddling in the blankets with you, wearing silly, ugly Christmas sweaters, finding presents for you, and just sharing the moment of festivity with you while it’s here.

When you mention Christmas cookies, he’s all for it. After all, it’s the perfect scenario for him that can happen. Baking itself? Eating cookies after they’ve finished? Spending some time with you? All of these has Lukas’ seal of approval.

No matter how good or bad you are at baking, Lukas will often ask to do more of the more difficult tasks like whisking the ingredients together, or chopping up the ingredients, and so on. He’s a keen baker as well, and you know that from the many times you two have spent baking goods before already! 

Expect lots of playful flicking of flour on your noses from him - he loves seeing your cute reactions to it. If you try to chase him for it, Lukas will just pull you right into his chest and give you a little smooch to distract you (it’s usually effective).

But when it isn’t effective… Lukas gets several flour-hand-imprints all over his apron. He looks absolutely silly with all that flour on him, and so do you with your flour-nose… it always ends up with a giggle-fest with you two, but you help out pat away the flour and your beloved wipes away the flour so you can continue baking.

For some reason, your shared kisses taste a lot sweeter when you’re baking around him… when you ask him about it, Lukas simply looks away and chuckles. He’s totally sampled some of the batch.

Lukas is also the type to spend money on cute stuff - and he had already bought some Christmas cookie cutters prior to this session (”Always so prepared for everything, huh?” You would ask when he’s already had everything stocked, “How resourceful!”). You cut your cookies in all shapes and sizes - in the form of snowmen, trees, santa, reindeer, and so many more. You both find yourself with a batch of cookies that take in the form of everything.

After everything finished baking, it was now decorating time - and while Lukas’ cookies turned out perfect and properly decorated, you had drawn silly designs that made both of you giggle all over your cookies (”[Name], why does that cookie just say ‘You better watch out, you better watch out, you better-” “It took a lot of effort for that to fit, Lukas! You don’t question perfection!”)

And at the end of the day, your most anticipated moment of the day was rushing over to the blankets and immediately taking your space on the couch, huddling into the cushions and the fluffy blanket for warmth. You could hear Lukas chuckling as he approached to room with the bowl of cookies on the plate. As he slipped into the blanket with you, you relished in his warmth when he settled next to you, with you crawling into his lap and him placing the cookies into your lap. You spent the rest of the day sharing cookies and stealing sweet kisses from each other, basking in the warmth of each other’s company on this lovely Christmas holiday. 

Joshua

Honestly, he’s not very keen on desserts - Joshua has never really seen the appeal of them. But seeing the pleading look on your face makes his heart melt despite the winter cold, and he tells you that he’ll always lose to your sweet looks.

You have to lead this baking session - Joshua isn’t very adept with baking, so you can find some cracked shells when he cracks an egg, or he uses the wrong spoon to measure the ingredients - you usually have to step in before anything wrong happens.

Baking with him is… very messy. He’ll flick flour onto your face, tease you by having his eggy hands right up your face and chasing you around, snacking on some of the desserts to annoy you - he loves seeing your little furious reaction, but he soon washes up immediately when you start getting scary.

Joshua watches everything you do with a lot of fascination. The way your  hands move around, the soft look of concentration you have on your face, how adorable you look at the moment… it all draws him in. You two end up straying from the task many times though, and it’s all his fault for stealing kisses from you when you were so focused on the task on hand!

He doesn’t really do much, in all honesty - he’ll act like a koala most of the time, with his hands wrapped around waist as he looks over what you’re doing over your shoulder. Both of you are kept warm that way… so what’s the harm done? Of course, Joshua will move away if you need space or to move somewhere - but otherwise, he’s perfectly content humming Christmas tunes into your ear as you work on the cookies.

Though, he’s willing to do more of the preparation stuff as well - heating up the oven, getting out the ingredients, and so on. You give him little kisses of appreciation in return for his work (even though he doesn’t do much - he still gives you a lazy grin that you love so much each time).

You two end up shaping the cookies by hand though - and this time both of you participate. You laugh at the attempts that he made to form a reindeer - it looks absolutely nothing like it and you end up laughing so much you cry tears. Joshua joins in with you ridiculous laughter, but also points at how your cookie looks awful as well. Warm laughter fills up the kitchen, both of you in jolly spirits and warm with each others’ presence.

The decorations aren’t any better. All of them are decorated terribly with random frosting colors - Joshua accidentally squirts too much black frosting on the snowman and now he has one gigantic eye, you accidentally flick frosting onto his face - and in all honesty you both end up goofing around the entire time.

But surprisingly, your cookies turned out surprisingly well. Joshua learns to appreciate desserts more after this silly little session, but he also learns that these sweet kisses from you are something he definitely wants more of.

It’s become one of his cravings now~

[betttingjunkie]

Poker Party Foods & advices to have perfect gambling night

So you and the guys (and/or gals) are getting together for a little Texas Holdem or Seven Card Stud. This isn't the online version you play in your pajamas, potato chip fragments wafting gently over your keyboard. You've got real, live people coming into your real-life home, with expectations of at least the minimal comfort of a folding chair at a folding table, and they expect at least a hearty nosh. You can't just limp in with a bag of cheese twists, and soup isn't practical. But you've got a spread limit here: you can't serve anything that needs two hands to hold, nor even anything that will stick your friends with foul hands, or they'll be out the back door in no time. On the other hand, you can't serve bellybusters or they'll be running for the family pot, crying "Must move!"

You don't want to muck it up.

You need some poker party food ideas, and fast!

If it's a poker-dinner party, you want to have the dinner before the game, and needn't worry about drip or stick. You can even serve food that requires two hands! Here are some quick entrées, before we ante up:

Kitchen Sink Spaghetti

Enough dry spaghetti noodles to feed your friends Enough water to boil the noodles 1 large onion, peeled 1 large clove of garlic, peeled 1-2 large handsful of shredded cheese, any variety 1/2 -1 can chick peas/garbanzo beans 1/2-1 can pitted black olives 1-2 fresh zucchinis any amount of other veggies you like, cut into bite-sized bits 1.2-1 tspo oregano (chopped leaves or powder) pinch salt small quantity of canola oil

Boil the water with a drop of canola oil and the pinch of salt. When boiling, add the noodles, stir them immediately and let them boil on medium for six minutes. Drain immediately and do not rinse!

While boiling the noodles, slice the onion into thin rings, chop the garlic and sautée them together in a little oil, in a large frying pan. Cut the zucchini into small bite-sized bits and add, along with any other veggies you;'ve chosen (except mushrooms -- if you use them, add them with the sauce). One minute later, add the noodles, chick peas, olives and cheese. Stir well and continue to cook on medium for another minute. Cover, turn hear to low, and make sauce.

Sauce:

1 cup plain, unsweetened yoghurt 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 1-2 ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 tsp lemon pepper 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp dill 1 tbs butter or butter substitute

Simmer the above ingredients in a saucepan until almost boiling. Remove from heat and stir.

Add sauce (and mushrooms if desired) to the spaghetti mixture, mix well, simmer another five minutes.

Serve!

Dill-Rubbed Salmon and Spinach

Salmon fillets, frozen, thawed or fresh Fresh spinach Salt Dill seed, preferably crushed Butter of butter substitute Milk

Preheat oven to BROIL.

Put as much fresh spinach as you can fit into a baking pan. (Spinach shrinks.) Salt it a bit. (Spinach absorbs salt.) Place salmon fillets atop the spinach, place little pats of butter atop the salmon, and a couple little drips of milk atop the whole thing. Sprinkle all over with dill. How much? That depends on the size of the pan, the amount of spinach and the size of the fillets. Just little pats, just little drips, just little sprinkles.

Broil this for five minutes, longer if you like your fish well done. If your broiler turns out to be slow, just keep broiling until the salmon doesn't look raw (slice carefully at the thickest part to take a peek).

This is also good with a squirt of lemon juice!

And now that dinner is over, here are some relatively dripless, unsticky poker party foods that can be enjoyed (not just tolerated) with a few fingers while clutching those killer hands (close to the vest, of course!)

First of all, it doesn't hurt to have bowls of nuts set about. The unsalted sort are cleaner. Baby carrots, cut celery stalks, raw broccoli and cauliflower florets,, these are easy to prepare and a bowl of THICK, nondrippy dip next to the discards will be easy to scoop up.

Horseradish Onion Dip:

16 oz. plain, unsweetened yoghurt four tsps prepared horseradish, red or white one large onion, peeled paprika, lemon pepper, to taste

Chop the onion into tiny bits, mix well with all other ingredients, serve!

Gen's Spinach Dip

16 oz. plain, unsweetened yoghurt 1 tsp lemon pepper 1 tsp honey 1 big bag or bunch of fresh, raw spinach 1/4 milk

DO NOT BOIL THE SPINACH!

Microwave the spinach and milk in a big bowl for two minutes.

Put this with HALF the yoghurt and ALL of the other ingredients into a blender or food processor, on CHOP or the equivalent, for ten seconds, or as long as your equipment takes to chop but not fully blend the spinach. We don't want green yoghurt; we want yellowish yoghurt with lovely green bits in it.

Turn out into a serving bowl, bledn in the rest of the yoghurt and slap it on the table.

Cheese and crackers work well too. Cheese-flavored crackers, however, tend to have cheese powder on them that rubs off on your hands. Try smooth vegetable crackers, and use block cheese you've sliced to cracker-size rather than cheese spreads, which require utensils and can be messy.

For players with a sweeter tooth, try a batch of cookies.

Mohn Cookies

1 cup sugar 3 eggs 3 cups wheat flour 1/2 cup poppy seeds (black) 2 tsp baking powder 1/3 tsp almond extract 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 cup butter

Sift flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl In another bowl, cream together sugar and butter. Mix in the sifted ingredients, little by little, and then the poppyseeds. Punch a well in the center and add eggs and almond extract. Stir well.

If the mixture is now too sticky to manipulate by hand, add flour little by little until it is JUST past that too-sticky stage.

Refrigerate for an hour.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Roll the dough out on a floured cutting board and cut by hand or with cookie cutters. For your poker-playing purposes, suit shapes are nice! (You can cut diamonds by hand but spade-, heart- and club-shaped cookie cutters are readily obtainable wherever you purchase your kitchenalia.)

Bake on a greased cookie sheet for about 13 minutes, or until a light, golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet (carefully, without smooshing them!) as soon as possible to avoid burning the bottoms, UNLESS you've got a lightweight aluminum pan, in which case you they shouldn't burn.

Cake Mix Cookies

You've got a cake mix but cake would be messy to eat while playing cards. You can still use this mix! (Yes, any flavor will do.)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and grease up a cookie sheet.

Ignore the directions on the cake mix package.

In a large bowl, mix the contents of the box with softened butter, butter substitute or (for peanut-butter cookies) peanut butter. How much, you ask? First add half a cup, then keep adding until the dough sticks together. It's all right if it's sticky. You just have to get it to the point that you can form balls of it without its all remaining on your hands. Then add one more tablespoon for luck. Mix well. Form balls, then flatten them out between your palms. You're making cookies about two to three inches in diameter here.

Put the flattened cookies onto the cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. It's okay if they seem undone. They will harden as they cool, so don't wait for them to get hard in the oven!

To sweeten the pot, try adding chopped walnuts or slivered almonds. For peanut butter cookies, if you have used smooth peanut butter, try adding some peanuts.

Finally, you're going to need some coffee.

Thai Iced Coffee

Use the strongest grind you've got in your coffee maker. Put in enough water for a whole pot MINUS a cup. Add the contents of an 8-oz. can of sweetened, condensed milk to the pot and let the coffee drip right into it.

Stir, refrigerate, serve!

Sweet Nothing

Mix together one part coffee-flavored liqueur, such as Kahlua, one part Irish cream liqueur, one part Amaretto and one part orange-flavored liqueur, such as Triple Sec or Cointreau. Serve straight, over ice or with cream.

Now you're all ready to play, right?

Sure, if you don't feel the need to decorate. Everyone's going to be keeping one eye on the cards, the other eye scanning for tells and a third eye on who's nabbed the last cookie. The fourth eye will be judging your ambience.

Little things you can do to perk up the table:

* Shape aluminum foil into suit shapes and spray-paint them black or red, as appropriate. Punch a small hole at the top of each and use string or ribbon to hang them from overhead light fixtures.

* Obtain a paper tablecloth. It can be red and/or black and ready to use, but it might be more fun to get a white one, give everyone marker pens or crayons (prior to the game) and tell them before Omaha, they're playing Draw. Then draw! (Make sure all artistic output is dry before proceeding.)

* Obtain photos of your guests. Digitally enhance them in one or more of the following ways: put their heads on the bodies of famous opposite-sex poker players; alter their expressions; draw funny party hats on them; place their faces on pictures of paint (royalty cards). Hang these in strategic places or incorporate them into the tablecloth. (You can even print them on napkins, but then no one will want to wipe their fingers!)

* Even for finger food, plates are convenient, paper plates doubly so. Drinks tastes just as good, and have just as much of a caffeine kick, in a paper cup as in a demitasse or snifter. However, you can jazz up plain plates and cups without toxifying them. Try using a marker (well in advance of the game) on just the edge of the plate, to draw simple diamonds or hearts. (Spades and clubs are harder.) Use cups with handles, and tie small trinkets to the handles. For handleless cups, glue red ribbon around the center. (This makes the cup easier to grip, too, especially if you use a ribbon with texture.)

Now unless you're bringing in a live band, crank up the CD or MP3 player, get ready for that monster hand, and let the cards speak!

[sweetseda]

Canning corn, Use a pressure canner for safety.

Canning Corn

Canning corn is a great way to preserve your harvest.   Some people love it... some don't.  Personally, I like the flavor of home canned corn too. Canning corn from your own garden or locally grown is still better than store bought. 

Many people also prefer the taste of frozen corn. For these reasons freezing corn is another great preserving option.  I do some of each because my family prefers the frozen over canned.  But I love the convenience of canned!  

We have a wonderful variety of sweet corn that is grown around here called Olathe Sweet Corn. It is so good and sweet, they have a festival weekend dedicated to corn. This weekend includes concerts and all you can eat corn on the cob.  If you are working with a sweet corn  don't be surprised if it comes out a deep golden color. This sometimes happens with the sweeter varieties.

Corn does take a bit more work than some other foods. It is not hard, but it has a processing time of 1 hr and 25 minutes for quarts and 55 minutes for pints. Compared to other produce this is a long time.

Prepare

Gather your canning supplies

Corn

Canning Salt - optional

You will need about 32 pounds (in husks) of sweet corn per canner load of 7 quarts; an average of 20 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints.

Canning Corn Procedure

Pick your corn. Corn should be fresh picked and ripe.

Get your corn huskers to work! Make sure they do their best to get all the hair off. Games make this task fun. Challenge them to see who can husk the most ears. Here's a tip; for mess control.... husking can be done outside.

While the corn is being husked, start boiling water. Either in a large stockpot or your blancher. 

Place in boiling water for 2 minutes and remove with tongs. If you are using a blancher the tongs are obviously not necessary.

Cool immediately in a sink or large bowl of ice-cold water.

A blancher works well or just use a large stock pot.

You do not want to cook the corn just blanch it. I find it easier to cut it off the cob this way. I read that many people skip this blanching step.  Since this corn will be processed in a pressure canner you can skip the blanching step if you prefer.  

Cut the kernels from the cob. 

Let the cobs cool. Set it on end and run your knife down the sides cutting off the kernels.

Try not to cut into the cob. I aim for getting off about 3/4 of the kernel.

The kernels will stick together in little strips and look like this.

I use a large cookie sheet to catch the kernels; a large flat dish like a cake pan would also work.

This can get messy too. The corn tends to squirt. Do it in an area that will be easy clean up. I have a big island in the center of my kitchen that I use. I LOVE easy clean up! 

Tips; Use an electric knife; I've never done this but it sounds like a great idea. 

Another Tip - Use a Bunt pan, set your corn on end on the centerpiece and let the kernels fall into the pan. I've tried this and it seems awkward to me. I list it here because I have seen others rave about doing it this way. Try it you may just like it. 

Here is a video of my husbands cool cutting the kernels off the cob time saver.  He is using a tool that is called a corn stripper.   I do not have a brand name on ours and it is a vintage tool that has been around for years.  If you do a search on Amazon you'll see some that are similar.  

Close up of the blade on this corn stripper.  Check your local farm store for similar cutters. It is an invaluable tool when canning corn, dehydrating, pickling.  Anytime you want to get a lot of cobs stripped use one of these. 

While the corn is being husked and the corn is cut off, go ahead and get your canner and canning jars ready. 

Optional add salt to the jars. ½ tsp. per pint, 1 tsp. per quart. Salt is for seasoning purposes only.

After the kernels are off the cob, pack into clean canning jars.

When canning corn you can either raw-pack or hot pack. Since I have already blanched my corn, I prefer raw pack. Here are directions for both

Raw pack; pack lightly into hot jars and add boiling water, leaving 1 inch head space.

Hot pack; simmer kernels for 5 minutes, then pack into jars.  Top off with cooking water leaving 1 inch head space.

Fill jars, leaving 1-inch head space.  Be sure and wipe the rims of your jars clean so there will be no food particles to interfere with the seal.  

Place your canning lids on and finally add your screw bands.  Place in a pressure canner to process.  

Process in a pressure canner.

Always use a pressure canner when canning corn.  

pints - process for 55 minutes

quarts - process for 1 hour 25 minutes

Adjustments for Pressure Canner Altitude in FeetDial Gauge CannerWeighted Gauge Canner 0-10001110 1001-20001115 2001-40001215 4001-600013156001-800014158000-10,0001515

Do you like Creamed Corn?  Try this.  

Here’s a quick easy way to make a cream style corn from regular kernel corn.  home canned corn, frozen, or store bought, it doesn’t matter.  This is not for canning, rather it is how I make creamed corn when I open the jars.  

Heat corn to simmer.  Simmer for 10 minutes if you wish.  Remove 1/2 of the corn to a blender add 1/2 cup or so of cream.  Half and half, evaporated milk or other cream of your choice works.  I usually have half and half on hand.  Puree.

Add back with corn add butter and salt to taste heat and serve.

Canning Corn Questions from my inbox.  

When pressure canning corn, do I really have to process that long?

Canning Corn processing question.

Hello, I'm a long time canner/freezer/preserver type of girl. In the past I've always put my corn up in the freezer, because that's the way mom and gran do it.

But the garden is gang busters this year and even with a new freezer, there isn't going to be room for all of it.

Anyway I called gran and borrowed mom's steam pressure canner and canned up the first few batches of corn. I followed the directions in the Ball Blue Book and let the thing chick-chick for 55 minutes.

However the corn has darkened quite a bit and some of the water in the jar is gone as well. So I've gone on-line to get more info.

Both gran and mom say 55 mins is too long and they only ever steam theirs for 25 minutes.

I'm filding conflicting directions on line too, I've found websites indicating times anywhere from 25 to 55 minutes. I don't want to poison my family, but I would love it if that 25 minute time was a possibility.

This is a hard question. And I have been asked it in a myriad of ways. Can I do it the 'old' way? Many of the questions posed to me point out that either moms or grandmothers did things different. And I certainly don't like contradicting our elders... often they have great wisdom!

However, The answer is: You take a risk by doing it the 'old' way. You have to make that decision yourself. Personally I decided to just follow the recommended guidelines and have that peace of mind. The processing times I give on my site are all taken from safe sources.  My most used source is the National Center for Home Preservation.  Some directions are from the Ball Blue Book. 

The good news is.... it is not unusual for canning corn to turn golden colored. Mine often is a darker color. From my research it is because it is a very sweet variety. My corn never tastes over cooked.

As far as the liquid loss. That is ok too. You want to avoid it, but it will not hurt your corn unless it is extreme. Liquid loss is often caused by taking your jars out of the canner too quickly.

Leave the jars in your canner for a couple of minutes before removing. Open the canner and then wait 3 or 4 minutes. This gives the jars a chance to cool slightly. When it is cooling the contents will be shrinking and not swelling so that may help you keep more liquid in your jars.

Another question on processing time.

Sharon, I was reading canning corn and noticed that it takes 1hr-25min to do a batch. Why does it take so much longer with corn and beans to process. Thank you.

Answer - It all has to do with the acidity of the food. I've used the times recommended by the USDA. They test the foods and determine the length of processing necessary for eliminating the risk of botulism. Corn is more starchy than other vegetables so I'd assume the acidity levels are different as well. Also corn has more natural sugar.

Here are a few pages that might interest you.

Botulism A severe, sometimes fatal food poisoning caused by ingestion of food containing botulin.

Canning methods Which Canning methods to use? Is my food high acid or low acid? Should I process in a water bath canner or pressure canner? Why? That is a common question ~ and a good one....

More ways to preserve corn.

Simply Canning Home › Canning Vegetables › Canning corn

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This content was originally published here.

[thecookiecouture]

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Build a Memorable Hot Chocolate Bar for Your Next ...

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Buttery Radish Baguette

My dad and brother are crazy for radishes, and this peppery baguette appetizer is a big-time favorite. Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley on top. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island

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Spicy Crab Salad Tapas

I served these at a party and everyone went wild! These delicious morsels have a crispy flaky outside filled with creamy sweet crab that has a little kick. I used scalloped edge cookie cutters to cut my pastry, but you can use a small biscuit cutter. —Vanessa Mason, Summerdale, Alabama

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Simple Waldorf Salad

This is my go-to salad when I need a quick little something for a meal. Sometimes when I want a sweeter taste I use whipped cream instead of yogurt. —Wendy Masters, East Garafraxa, Ontario

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Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs with Dill

My family is of Danish heritage, and my husband makes our smoked salmon. To use it, I came up with these dilly deviled eggs. They’re a real treat and nice addition to any meal. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, Arizona

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Cucumber Canapes

I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They’re delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts

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Layered Fresh Fruit Salad

People always pass on compliments when I take this salad to covered-dish suppers. It’s nice on a hot day…with a winter meal…or as a dessert! We live on a small farm where my garden gives me lots of possibilities for fresh food. —Page Alexander, Baldwin City, Kansas

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Oysters Rockefeller

My husband and I are oyster farmers, and this classic dish always delights our guests. It’s deliciously simple! —Beth Walton, Eastham, Massachusetts

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Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes

Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California

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Rye Party Puffs

I can’t go anywhere without taking along my puffs. They’re pretty enough for a wedding reception yet hearty enough to snack on while the gang is watching football on television. A platterful of these will disappear even with a small group. —Kelly Williams, La Porte, Indiana

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Dilly Cheese Ball

The whole family devours this herby cheese spread—even my son, the chef. Serve it with your favorite crackers. —Jane Vince, London, Ontario

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Chicken Pot Stickers

Chicken and mushrooms make up the filling in these pot stickers, a traditional Chinese dumpling. Greasing the steamer rack makes it easier to remove them once they’re steamed. —Jacquelynne Stine, Las Vegas, Nevada

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Salmon Mousse Canapes

It’s so easy to top crunchy cucumber slices with a smooth and creamy salmon filling. Guests rave about the fun presentation, contrasting textures and refreshing flavor. —Barb Templin, Norwwood, Minnesota

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Spicy Shrimp & Crab Cocktail

I don’t usually like radishes, but I love them in this shrimp cocktail. Serve it straight up, with tortilla chips or on a bed of butter lettuce. A zippy Bloody Mary mix works just as well as spicy V8. —Heidi Knaak, Liberty, Missouri

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Meatballs with Cranberry Dipping Sauce

With their cranberry dipping sauce, these no-fuss appetizer meatballs make use of traditional Thanksgiving ingredients, so they’re ideal around the holiday or anytime you’re craving those favorite seasonal tastes.—Ann Baker, Texarkana, Texas

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Smoked Trout Pate

This tasty spread is easy to make in a food processor, and it’s a guaranteed winner at any party. The recipe is versatile, so feel free to substitute other favorite smoked fish.—Judy Walle, Toledo, Ohio

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Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs

I was recently at a wedding reception where the menu was all small bites. Here’s my rendition of the pear pastries they served. They’re the perfect combo of savory and sweet. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

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Three-Cheese Fondue

I got this easy recipe from my daughter, who lives in France. It’s become my go-to fondue, and I make it often for our family.—Betty A. Mangas, Toledo, Ohio

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Smoked Salmon Bites

Because smoked salmon is one of my favorite ingredients, it plays a big role here. Best of all, there’s no cooking involved. —Tom Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

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Autumn Pepper Relish

This colorful pepper relish is a favorite with friends and family—everyone always asks for the recipe because it tastes great on just about everything. I like to serve it over cream cheese with crackers or a sliced French baguette. I also include a jar in gift baskets. —Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia

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Artichoke & Caper Cream Soup

I adore the flavors of oyster mushrooms, capers and artichokes. So after experimenting with several batches, I came up with this soup. Every year I’m asked to bring it to our office Christmas party.

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Roast Beef Finger Sandwiches

These simple sandwiches are ideal for a bridal shower, brunch or high tea, when the menu is a bit more substantial. The mustard adds a nice kick without being overly spicy. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California

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Pimiento Cheddar Spread

I was a theater major in college, and our director’s mother always made sure we were well fed. I was particularly fond of her pimento cheese sandwiches and tried making a similar spread for crackers. It tastes just as good as I remember! —Katrina Jameson, Brandon, Mississippi

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Crabbie Phyllo Cups

I always like a little extra chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you’re out of crab, try them with water-packed tuna. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

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Sesame-Beef Pot Stickers

I enjoy having these little dumplings as a late-night snack while I’m watching television. They also work well as a quick appetizer for parties. —Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada

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Mini Crab Cakes

Fresh crab is one of my all-time favorite foods so whenever I get the chance to cook with it I will often make this dish. It’s great for appetizers but you can make larger ones for a fantastic dinner with a simple salad. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

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Garlic-Dill Deviled Eggs

In my family, Easter isn’t complete without deviled eggs. Fresh dill and garlic perk up the flavor of these irresistible appetizers you’ll want to eat on every occasion. —Kami Horch, Calais, Maine

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One-Bite Tamales

Clever little meatballs deliver the flavor and rich sauce of a traditional tamale in a bite-sized portion. They’re a delightfully different addition to a holiday spread. —Dolores Jaycox, Gretna, Louisiana

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Shrimp in Phyllo Cups

I almost didn’t make these appetizers for last year’s Christmas party because I was running out of time, but I knew they’d be a tasty hit. Simple to make, the cups have few ingredients and look beautiful on the plate—very gourmet! This turned out to be one of the night’s favorites, and they just flew off the plate. —Terri Edmunds, Naperville, Illinois

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Pressure Cooker Marinated Mushrooms

Here’s a terrific healthy addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, balsamic and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California

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Sweet Pea Pesto Crostini

I made a healthier spin on my favorite celebrity chef’s recipe by using hearty vegetable broth and less cheese. To top crostini, use less broth for a paste-like pesto. For use on pasta, add more broth for a sauce-like consistency. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

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Creamy Red Pepper Veggie Dip

I got this recipe from a college roommate. Thick and creamy with just a touch of sweetness, this colorful dip is a winner served with chunky veggies. —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, California

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Florentine Almond Artichoke Mounds

I always enjoyed traditional artichoke cheese dip, and for a drinks and appetizer party, wanted to create a new appetizer that was a spin on that. This original creation is a bit reminiscent of the dip recipe, and works well on a buffet. —Sherry Johnston, Green Cove Springs, Florida

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Calamari Salad

This is one of the seven fish dishes we serve at Christmas time. It is easy to make and quite delicious! I enjoy it served both warm and cold. Either way, it has become one of our traditional dishes each year. The recipe has been passed down to me through my grandparents, who were excellent cooks. —Paul Rinaldi, Easton, Pennsylvania

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Pina Colada Dip

If you like pina coladas, you’ve gotta try this fluffy fruit dip. Scooped up with a slice of fresh pineapple, it tastes just like the beloved beachside drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Slow Cooker Marinated Mushrooms

Here’s a terrific healthy addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, balsamic and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California

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Shrimp Cakes with Spicy Aioli Sauce

I made these for our staff Christmas party last year; they were such a hit that I was flooded with requests for the recipe the next day. Throughout the year, whenever I needed favors done at school, people gladly helped as long as I promised to bring them shrimp cakes! This year’s Christmas party is coming up, and I’m already being asked if I am bringing the shrimp cakes—I guess I am! —Linda Zilar, Kennewick, Washington

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Italian Steak Bruschetta

This recipe combines my favorite things to eat: toast, steak, bruschetta topping and delicious pancetta. It’s looks so pretty on the plate! This five-ingredient appetizer is easy to prepare but will have everyone thinking you spent a long time in the kitchen. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

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Chinese Meatballs

These were a huge hit at a cookout I attended recently! You can use two tablespoons of chopped crystallized ginger in place of the fresh ginger if you like. —Pat Barnes, Panama City, Florida

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Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

Flaky salmon and creamy sauce go so well over hard-boiled eggs. Drizzle the sauce or serve it on the side; it’s great either way. —Marinela Dragan, Portland, Oregon

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Chutney-Topped Cream Cheese Spread

I’ve had the pleasure of introducing many of my friends and family to chutney, that sweet and savory fruit sauce. Make the spread even faster by using chive-flavored whipped cream cheese. —Michelle Torkelson, Ham Lake, Minnesota

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Creamy Chicken Vol-au-Vent

My friends and I have been getting together for “ladies lunches” for years. These vol-au-vents are the perfect no-fuss fancy food; they look complicated, but are actually simple and fun to make. Whenever I think of good friends and good company, I think of these savory pastries. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah

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Oyster Cheese Appetizer Log

When you say “holiday tradition” around our house, this appetizer comes to mind immediately. Every winter, I make lots of cheese logs and freeze them for when I’m expecting company or need to take food to someone’s home. The blend of smoked oysters, chili powder, nuts and cream cheese tastes good-even people who don’t like oysters may enjoy this interesting appetizer. —William Tracy, Jerseyville, Illinois

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Spiced Pickled Beets

With spicy, robust flavor, these pickled beets are so good, they’ll convert any naysayers! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

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Three-Cheese Souffles

No matter when I’ve made these soufflés, they have always been a success. Although I’ve never seen the centers start to fall, it’s best to plan on serving them hot from the oven. —Jean Ference, Sherwood Park, Alberta

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Shrimp & Cucumber Rounds

I always make these appetizers for our get-togethers. They’re easy to prepare and a snappy addition to any party. —Kelly Alaniz, Eureka, California

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Microwave Pickles

You can enjoy a small batch of these sweet crunchy pickles anytime without the work of traditional canning methods. They’re loaded with flavor and so easy to make. —Marie Wladyka, Land O’Lakes, Florida

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Do Something Different this Year with our Holiday Gift Guide

browse www.transfs.com site for more advice on financing 

No reason to give the same boring gifts this year. Our holiday gift guide offers creative and inexpensive gift ideas that your friends and family will love.

Christmas is right around the corner. Do you have all of your gift shopping done yet?

If you’re anything like me, the answer is no. This isn’t because I’m a procrastinator, though. It’s because I would prefer to give a gift that’s unique and has meaning instead of some stereotypical consumer item that will probably wind up in the Goodwill pile at some point.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of ideas, so that you can change the way you give gifts this holiday season. Some will save you money, and some will be incredibly useful. Others will give you (and your recipient) a warm fuzzy feeling inside, which rivals that of any mug of hot cocoa.

Get out your gift-giving lists, and let’s get started!

Charitable Giving

There are some wonderful opportunities to do good while also giving to your friends and loved ones. Regardless of your budget, you can make charitable causes part of your family’s holiday season.

You can donate to one of your favorite causes, or one which aligns with the interests of the recipient. No matter which you choose, there are simple ways to make a doubly-impactful gift this holiday season.

Buy holiday cards that support your charity of choice

If you’re going to buy cards this year anyway, why not see if your favorite charity has anything to offer? Not only do you show your support, but you may find interesting, unique cards that stand out.

Children’s Art Project (from MD Anderson) offers various items, including holiday cards, that feature their young patients’ art. This gives kids a way to showcase their designs. And net proceeds from sales help to fund the hospital’s pediatric programs.

Holiday Card Center has a stunning array of cards in various designs. They partner up with a number of non-profit organizations, such as the American Humane Society. About 10% of the cost of each box goes to the charity.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation will actually personalize and mail cards out for you, if you wish to make a gift on someone else’s behalf. You can also order blank cards and send them yourself. Or send an e-card to let someone know you made a donation in their name.

The American Diabetes Association lets you personalize cards regardless of whether you are making a gift donation as well.

Buy gifts that provide a percentage to charity

Know someone who loves the water? Oceana has some really cool t-shirts and apparel. As much as 25% of the proceeds benefit their charity.

Sierra Club offers two gorgeous gift-boxed calendars, note card sets, and even books for the nature/scenery lover in your life.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has a great offering of apparel, office accessories, and even water bottles that benefit the foundation. Between 35-50% of the purchase price goes to the cause.

UNICEF has a store full of interesting, international gifts, including candles, journals, and books.

A cancer survivor or supporter might enjoy jewelry, clothing, or a tote bag from the American Cancer Society Gift Shop.

Donate to charity as a gift

Oceana offers a holiday adopt-a-creature program. For $30, you can adopt a sea turtle, seal, or one of 16 other sea creatures. You’ll receive a cookie cutter in the shape of that creature and a special sugar cookie recipe. Spend a little more, and you’ll receive a cute plush of that animal, too. It’s a nice way to donate while still having a fun gift for the recipient to open and enjoy.

Oxfam America offers you the unique opportunity to present your friends and family with the donation of a sheep, goat, or even a toilet. Wait, what? With Oxfam, your funds help provide necessities to growing, impoverished communities worldwide. Then, choose from a number of humorous, fun cards to give to your recipient, telling them about the gift made in their honor. How else could you possibly gift wrap a camel?

Heifer International also donates livestock to countries in need. You can choose from a variety of animals, including a water buffalo for $250.

American Forests lets you plant trees in the name of a loved one for $1 a tree.

Alternative Gifts International offers truly impactful gifts of food, shelter, trees, gardens, and medicines to those in need around the world.

Not sure what charity would be most fitting? JustGive.org sells gift certificates recipients can redeem for any of 1,000,000 charities and nonprofit organizations.

Go Clutter-Free

Another unique holiday gift option if you want to avoid waste is to buy clutter-free gifts. These can be in the form of experiences or consumables. I usually opt to do both. In fact, in my family, we’ve opted to buy “experiences, not things” for our primary gifts to one another. Then we buy useful (consumable) items for stocking stuffers.

While experiences are great gifts that bring memories for years, consumables give you something to open and enjoy Christmas morning.

Eat, Drink, Be Merry

Unclutterer.com has some nice suggestions for theme-based consumable gift collections, such as bulbs and seeds for a gardener, spice collections for someone who enjoys cooking, and the always-popular bath sundries collection for anyone who enjoys self-pampering. There’s even a very utilitarian garage-themed collection idea with motor oil, work gloves, etc.

My tastes run a bit more colorful. I believe the holidays provide a great chance to give premium consumables, little luxuries life might not otherwise afford us.

My favorite food and drink gifts include:

Aged Balsamic Vinegar – It’s a surprisingly flexible gift, suitable for everything from salad dressings and bread dips (include some fresh loaves of bread for an irresistible gift basket), to marinades and even as a topping for ice cream. There are a range of prices and qualities available. You could even print out some relevant recipes and include them, too!

Wine–It’s even better when paired with a gift certificate to a BYOB restaurant and maybe a cute tote. But there’s so much you can do with wine gifts. Give a nice bottle you’ve tried and enjoyed, different vintages of the same wine, or a selection of bottles from a region with accompanying reading material on that region’s wines. These can all make a memorable gift. You can find nice, well-rated wines for less than $20 a bottle. Wine Club memberships are wonderful, too, if you have the budget.

Say Cheese!–Last year, one of the best gifts I got was a stylish, reusable tote filled with a variety of fine imported cheeses, candied nuts, and crackers. Food gifts made for sharing are perfect for holiday entertaining. Plenty of places out there sell pre-assembled gift baskets. But I think the best approach is to find a local cheese shop or market and try things out yourself. Add fresh or dried fruit and nuts, and you can make your own extravagant gift for much less than you’d pay at Harry and David or Williams-Sonoma.

Sweets–Who doesn’t love a little indulgence? Last year, I gave my father-in-law a set of dark chocolate bars made from cocoa beans from different countries, for a comparative tasting. Homemade cookies or cakes are always appreciated, and can provide a more economical gift alternative. I’m also partial to Dutch candy for a fun and inexpensive gift.

Citrus Fruit–Sweeter than candy, the juice from Temple oranges is a rare treat in the cold winter months. I order them now for delivery January through March from Nokomis Groves. You could make a fabulous gift basket around a citrus gift (think breakfast kit), or let its sunny glory stand alone.

Salumis, Seafood, and Special Meats–Salami, bacon, prosciutto, ham, smoked turkey, scallops, salmon… whether you spend a lot for a fine imported meat or seafood product or assemble your own basket from a local specialty shop, there’s much to choose from.

You may be seeking truffles from France or salumis from Italy. Either way, finding a great source is key. If you can’t find these imported items at a local market, you can find them at a markup at places like Dean & Deluca. You can also try your luck finding better deals and culinary rarities at sites like eFood Depot, Gustiamo (Italian), La Tienda (Spanish), and French Feast.

Amazon has a great collection of gift baskets worth checking out. You can also take a look at Food411’s Holiday Picks or browse Sur la Table for more inspired gift ideas.

Spoil Someone

If food isn’t your ideal gift (or you’re unsure whether the recipient has dietary concerns), you can always opt to pamper them.

Soap and Bath Products–Soaps make for a great gift basket but are easily used up, so they don’t contribute to clutter. One of my friends makes her own fantastic-smelling, all-natural olive oil soap and bath products. She had a home show this year where I bought soaps for just about everyone I know. I tried to select scents each individual will love. It should be fun to see how accurate I was predicting their fragrance preferences. And anything I don’t give away, I’ll just use up myself.

Massages, Pedicures, and Spa Treatments–Beauty supplies are a clear winner when combined with gift certificates for massages, pedicures, facials, and other spa treatments. In my book, there’s no such thing as too many massages, and it’s nice to look forward to some luxury. Pick a local spa, or visit SpaWish.com for a gift certificate good at over 1,000 day spas across the nation.

eSubscriptions, Media, and Content–With all the interesting videos, music, games, and books available via iTunes, it’s hard to imagine anyone not appreciating an iTunes Gift Card. I’ve heard great things about Audible.com, as well. Their electronic book and programming subscriptions start as low as $7.49 a month for the first three months with the AudibleListener program.

The Gift of More Time–Take a page from Tim Ferriss’ book The Four Hour Workweek and help someone “outsource” time-consuming or unpleasant tasks. Whether you supply a bevy of homemade frozen meals or set up a running engagement with a personal chef, your gift will directly benefit the recipient’s quality of life. Maid service, child care, and gardening or landscaping services are gifts they’ll remember all year. Plus, they can be accomplished by hiring out or (more economically) by helping out and doing it yourself.

Make Something With Love

Homemade gifts can be so much more than the sum of their parts, which makes them a great frugal gift option. They are redolent of effort, of “I thought of you all year and worked on this for you.” This is a nice contrast to “I realized I needed a gift for you ten minutes ago and picked this up as I was driving here.”

MoneySavingMom has an extensive collection of frugal gift ideas. Some of my favorite homemade gifts from her list include:

Homemade baking mixes

Embroidered pillowcases

Hand-stamped notecards

Personalized CDs (with music, family photos, etc.)

Custom-made photo calendars (every grandparent I know adores these)

Homemade food, including freezer-ready quick meals and baked goods (I am seriously asking my mother-in-law for a giant vat of her famous tomato soup for the holidays this year)

Canned vegetables, jam, pickles, etc.

Scarves, sweaters, and other knitted/crocheted goodies

Fleece throw blankets

Homegrown organic dried herbs (in a charming little jar, what could be better?)

I’ve been blessed with some very creative friends, so in the past I’ve received amazing scarves, jewelry, gorgeous embroidered pillowcases, and even original artwork. This year, one of my good friends knitted me some very chic, pure-white cashmere gloves.

My own talents are more culinary than crafty. So this year, I’m giving out tins of several varieties of homemade cookies and a few premade freezer meals, like lasagna, for those in my life who don’t enjoy cooking as much as I do. If you’re not inclined to create gifts yourself, you can buy amazing and unique handmade gifts of all sorts at Etsy.com.

From the Heart

This ties in a bit with the last section. But the ultimate “handmade” gift may not be a thing at all but, instead, a service. I love the concept of lending your personal services to someone else, especially in this age of so little free time.

If you’re good at sewing, what about giving certificates for mending and tailoring clothing? Or giving proofreading or resume help to someone still in school? Know someone who travels a lot? A few certificates for rides to and from the airport could be just the thing. Or create a scrapbook or photo album for someone with lots of memories and no time to compile them. Babysitting, yard cleanup, etc. are all gifts that cost little except your time.

What are the best gifts you’ve ever received (or given) that weren’t “typical” or even store-bought? Can you think of any other unique holiday gift ideas? Share them below!

[nadiashealthykitchen]

Chai Ice Cream Sandwiches (Vegan & Gluten-free)

Chai Ice Cream Sandwiches (Vegan & Gluten-free)

I am a self-confessed cookie monster. I just LOVE cookies, biscuits, or whatever else you want to call them. I love the soft kind, crunchy kind and everything else in between! 

What’s better than eating one cookie? Eating two cookies, of course! And what’s better than eating two cookies? Sandwiching some ice cream in between two cookies and creating ice cream cookie sandwiches! 

The first time I tried a cookie sandwich was on our honeymoon. We walked past a cafe in Spain and hubby asked me if I had ever tried an ice cream sandwich. He was like “you HAVE TO try an ice cream sandwich!” when he found out I’d never experienced the joy of eating one before. Of course, I fell in love with them straight away. What a genius idea! 

This will be my first ‘autumny’ recipe this year. I always used to think that eating ice cream during the cooler months was crazy. Mostly because growing up, my dad wouldn’t let us eat it when it was cold outside. “You’ll catch a cold” he would say. He was always worried that if we ate ice cream during winter (and during the school months) that we would inevitably fall ill and miss school days. I guess that fear of eating cold treats during the cooler months stayed with me until my adult years. 

However, now I see ice cream as an all year round treat. So what if it’s cold outside? The central heating is usually blasting anyway, so cold treats are never off the menu.

When it’s no longer hot outside, the ice cream flavours I lean towards changes though. I gravitate towards richer, more comforting flavours rather than fruity ones.

Chai spiced ice cream is a good example! There’s something about that mixture of spices that’s just so comforting (and so yummy!). 

I’m using Very Lazy ginger paste to demonstrate that ginger and ginger paste is not only for savoury dishes. It’s an easy way to add loads of flavour to a sweet treat. I find their ginger paste tubes so handy. Especially when I’m tight on time and need to prepare a quick recipe and don’t want to spend time prepping fresh ginger. You just take the tube out of the fridge, squeeze out what you need and put it right back. So convenient.

Powdered ginger can be quite potent and bitter when using too much of it, especially in raw/no-bake recipes like this one. That’s why I prefer using ginger paste. It gives these chai ice cream sandwiches a more fresh ginger taste, which I like. 

Ginger is not a flavour I was familiar with growing up. It’s not used much in Middle Eastern cooking, but when I moved to England, my mum introduced me to ginger cookies. It was actually on the journey from Iraq to Manchester. I had horrible travel sickness on the plane to London, so when we landed she bought a pack of ginger biscuits for me to eat on the train journey form London to Manchester. Ginger can help with nausea, although I don’t remember if it did much for my travel sickness, but I do remember loving them! 

So today, I’ll be showing you how to make my Chai Ice Cream Sandwiches – chai flavoured ice cream sandwiched between two raw ginger cookies.

These chai ice cream sandwiches are:

Easy No-churn No-bake Dairy-free Vegan Gluten-free And packed with flavours! 

Chai Ice Cream Sandwiches (Vegan & Gluten-free)

Makes: 8-10 sandwiches

For the ginger cookies

125g oat flour – use gluten-free if allergic/intolerant 75g ground almonds 1/4 tsp salt 4 tbsp maple syrup 4 tbsp coconut oil, melted 1/2 tbsp Very Lazy ginger paste

For the chai ice cream

140g raw cashews – soak in water for 4 hours to make it easier to blend.  400g can full fat coconut milk 1/2 tbsp cinnamon 1 tsp cardamom 1/2 tsp cloves 1/2 tsp all spice 2 tsp Very Lazy ginger paste 1/4 tsp salt 4 tbsp maple syrup – use more if you want it sweeter. 

Method

To make the ice cream – blend all the ice cream ingredients in a blender/food processor until smooth. Pour into a glass or ceramic dish and freeze for 4 hours. To make the ginger cookies – mix together the oat flour, ground almonds and salt in a bowl. Pour in the maple syrup, melted coconut oil and ginger paste. Mix to combine.  Roll between 2 sheets of baking paper to a 1/4 inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out your cookies and place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with baking paper. Freeze until the ice cream had set.  Take the ginger cookies and ice cream out. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop out the ice cream and place onto one of the cookies. Top with another cookie and press down to flatten the ice cream. Use a knife or spoon to smooth the sides.  Optional – roll in chopped nuts to make them look even more scrumptious!  Optional – drizzle with nut butter or date caramel.  Freeze again for 30-60 minutes.  Enjoy! 

Note – Take your ice cream sandwiches out of the freezer 15-20 minutes before serving to allow them to defrost a little.

Thanks to Very Lazy for sponsoring this post. Commissioned posts is how I’m able to continue working on the blog and creating recipes and recipe videos for you. As always, all opinions are my own.

Chai Ice Cream Sandwiches (Vegan & Gluten-free) was originally published on UK Health Blog - Nadia's Healthy Kitchen

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Contributor Series: Three Desserts for the Fourth of July

Fourth of July calls for red, white and blueberries . . . or sprinkles of course! Our Cooking Contributor, Elisabeth & Butter, guides us through her top three dessert recipes to share with friends and family at your Fourth of July gathering next week. These desserts taste even better than they look! We could not resist taking a bite of each one after this photoshoot was complete.

  From Elisabeth:

Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays to spend with my family and friends because it is centered around food. I can’t remember a Fourth of July where we didn’t have some type of patriotic dessert and I plan to keep that tradition going. When asked to share some recipes for this fun holiday, I thought back to some of my family favorites and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. These three recipes are simple, delicious, and will make your Fourth of July celebration even sweeter!

    Layered Pound Cake with Whipped Cream and Berries

  My grandmother, born and raised in South Carolina, was the epitome of the perfect hostess. She made everyone feel loved and welcomed and her cooking was phenomenal. This pound cake recipe was hers and was typed out on an old-fashioned typewriter. To take this recipe up to the next level, I added homemade whipped cream and berries. Trust me, this recipe is tried and true! It is simple to make and easy to assemble given that you can leave the sides bare. I think this is the perfect 4th of July dessert that every guest will love!

  Yields a 3 layered, 8 inch cake

  Ingredients: For the Cake:3 cups sugar2 sticks salted butter, softened5 large eggs

3 cups cake flour

⅛  teaspoon baking powder

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Zest of 1 lemon

For the Whipped Cream:

2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

1 ¼ cups confectioners sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fresh Strawberries

Fresh Blueberries

Fresh Blackberries

Directions: For the Cake:

Preheat oven to 325°F and grease 3, 8 inch cake pans.

In a mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, beat sugar and butter together for 2-3 minutes on medium high speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.

Stir flour and baking powder together, then add to the mixer alternating with the heavy cream, beginning and ending with flour until just combined. Do not overmix. Stir in vanilla and lemon zest.

Bake for 20-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and it springs back when you touch it.

For the whipped cream:

In a mixing bowl, beat the whipping cream and confectioners sugar on medium speed until soft peaks form and it is thickened. Do not overmix the cream or it will curdle. Stir in vanilla extract.

Layer the cake with whipped cream and place sliced strawberries between each layer. Top with the remaining whipped cream and lots of berries!

    Mini Blueberry Hand Pies

  In my opinion, mini pies are the cutest desserts and the easiest to make. These little pies leave a lasting impression when served and guests will love the fresh taste of the blueberries. When looking for a dessert to make last minute, the store bought pie crust and short list of ingredients make for a delicious treat that your friends will think you spent hours making. Simply cut circles out of the sheets of dough and place the blueberry mixture in the center. Fold the dough over, press with a fork, bake and enjoy a bit of blueberry heaven. You can also substitute other fruits in this recipe and get creative with your pies. These are best served warm with a scoop of ice cream!

  Yields 12-14 pies

  Ingredients: 1 box refrigerated store bought pie crust2 cups fresh blueberriesZest of 1 lemonJuice of half a lemon (1 tablespoon)

⅓ cup sugar

Pinch of salt

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water

Sugar for sprinkling

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Unroll pie dough and using a round cookie cutter or glass, cut 3-4 inch circles out of one sheet of dough. Gently roll up the remaining scraps of dough and roll it out again to make more rounds. Place rounds on the baking sheet.

In a bowl, mix together the blueberries, lemon zest and juice, sugar, salt and cornstarch. Stir to combine.

Scoop about a tablespoon of the blueberry mixture on the center of each round of dough. Fold dough over so the two edges meet and press with your fingers to seal. Grab a fork and press the back of it down on the edges to create a ripple and to seal the dough once more.

Whisk egg with water and brush the tops of the pies and sprinkle with sugar. Using a sharp knife, cut two small slices on the tops of each pie. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve warm with ice cream!

    Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

  The best way to beat the summer heat is with these ice cream sandwiches. Two perfect chocolate chip cookies paired with creamy vanilla ice cream – it doesn’t get much better that that. This chocolate chip cookie recipe is from my sister who knows what it takes to make a good cookie. I had such a fun time making these sandwiches. Like most tangible goals we work toward in life, it’s important to enjoy the process while looking ahead to the result. This recipe is easy to prepare with friends, so don’t be afraid to bring some friends into the process with you. Red, white and blue sprinkles make these cookies the highlight of any party and make the perfect dessert for kids or for a casual gathering with friends. Luckily, they are easy to make ahead of time. Based on our sticky experience preparing these ice cream sandwiches for an outdoor shoot in the sun, I suggest keeping these treats in the freezer until they are served. If you want to serve the ice cream sandwiches outside, the best way is on a chilled ice tray.

  Yields 18-20 sandwich cookies

  Ingredients:

2 sticks salted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 tsp salt

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Vanilla Ice Cream

Sprinkles

Directions:

For the Cookies:

Preheat oven to 375°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Then add vanilla extract.

With your mixer on low, add in flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt and beat until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

Either refrigerate the dough for up to three days or bake immediately. Using a medium sized ice cream scoop or spoon, drop dough a few inches apart on the baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

For assembling the ice cream sandwiches:

Once the cookies are cooled, use a large ice cream scoop and place a generous amount of vanilla ice cream in the center of one cookie, then smash the other cookie on top. Roll in sprinkles or mini chocolate and store in the freezer until ready to serve.

*Freezing the cookies before filling them with ice cream helps them hold up and not melt.

  When you host family and friends on the Fourth of July, one of the most difficult tasks is the preparation of food and desserts to satisfy a large group. Each of Elisabeth’s recipes are flexible enough to suit any size gathering. If you’re one that gets nervous about baking, these recipes are perfect for you because they are simple to make and assemble. These desserts will be the highlight of any party and will be sure to satisfy all your guests!

  We hope you enjoy these desserts as much as we did. Have a Happy Fourth!

The post Contributor Series: Three Desserts for the Fourth of July appeared first on Gal Meets Glam.

First found here: Contributor Series: Three Desserts for the Fourth of July